Russian navy parade: Kremlin cancels annual event; cites security reasons

Russia has cancelled its major annual navy parade scheduled for Sunday, citing "security reasons," according to the Kremlin, though it did not elaborate on the specific threat or concern, reported news agency AFP.

"The decision is linked to the overall situation. Security reasons are of utmost importance," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov said.

The move has raised questions about internal vulnerabilities, particularly as Ukraine has increased strikes on Russian naval assets since Moscow's full-scale invasion in 2022.

Russia’s annual Navy Day parade is a grand military celebration held on the last Sunday of July to honor the strength and heritage of the Russian Navy. Traditionally staged in the port city of St. Petersburg, the event features a spectacular display of naval power, including warships, submarines, aircraft, and thousands of naval personnel.

It commemorates Navy Day, a legacy dating back to the Soviet era, reintroduced with renewed vigor by President Vladimir Putin in the early 2000s.

The parade typically draws high-ranking officials, military leadership, and occasionally foreign dignitaries. President Putin often attends, using the occasion to project Russia’s maritime strength and geopolitical presence.

The event also includes performances, ceremonial salutes, and maritime flyovers. It is not only a patriotic showcase for domestic audiences but also a message of deterrence and prestige on the global stage.

In recent years, the parade has gained greater symbolic importance amid rising tensions with the West and increased naval engagements in regions like the Black Sea and Arctic.