Russia’s Navy Day, typically held on the last Sunday of July, was canceled for the second consecutive year. President Vladimir Putin addressed marines in front of a large image of a vessel instead of the usual naval display, sparking mockery online.
The event usually showcases Russia’s maritime power with warships in St. Petersburg’s Neva River, naval parades, and aircraft flyovers. This year, the fanfare did not occur. Sources from the Russian defense ministry informed Fontanka, a St. Petersburg news outlet, that no orders were given to organize the parade. A Navy spokesman mentioned, “it’s not the right time.” Last year’s cancellation was attributed to security concerns by the Kremlin, though no official reason was given this year.
Recent Ukrainian drone strikes on the city have heightened tensions. On July 24, Ukraine targeted sites related to the online retailer Wildberries, creating thick smoke clouds and affecting flights. Putin opted for a smaller address to sailors inside the Admiralty, the Navy’s city headquarters. Footage depicted him greeting marines in front of a submarine image, which drew mockery from pro-Ukrainian users online.
Ukrainian X channel Military News UA posted that a parade occurred on Navy Day, but without the actual fleet, using large banners as substitutes.
Nexta, another news outlet, shared the footage, suggesting, “Putin embarrasses himself on the world stage again! The so-called Navy Day was celebrated with a painted submarine image.” Nexta noted that the Kremlin quickly removed the footage from its websites, though digital traces lingered. Some social media users humorously speculated about the fate of the cameraman, referencing a notorious Gulag location.
Despite the scaled-back event, Putin reiterated Kremlin narratives about the conflict in Ukraine. He underscored the Russian Navy’s crucial role in achieving war objectives and its significance for Russian security. Putin emphasized protecting Russia’s interests on the Northern Sea Route and ensuring Kaliningrad’s security against threats, highlighting its strategic importance should tensions with NATO escalate.
He acknowledged the war’s toll while asserting that substantial military spending would persist. “We are now forced to allocate a lot of resources—and this is justified—to ensure the success and achievement of the goals of the special military operation,” Putin stated.
The Washington, D.C.-based Institute for the Study of War analyzed comments by Admiral Alexander Moiseyev, the Russian Navy Commander-in-Chief. Moiseyev mentioned plans to develop unmanned system regiments in the Northern Fleet. The Institute viewed this move as partly a defense strategy against intensified Ukrainian strikes on Russian naval assets in the Black and Azov seas.
Newsweek reached out to the Kremlin for comments regarding the event.