St. Petersburg Navy Day Parade Cancelled for Second Year in a Row – Fontanka

June 15, 2026 The St. Petersburg Navy Day parade in 2024. kremlin.ru Russia’s Defense Ministry does not plan to hold its annual Naval Day parade in St. Petersburg this summer, the local news outlet Fontanka reported Monday, citing anonymous sources familiar with the matter. The 2026 cancellation, if confirmed, would mark the third year in a row that some or all of the parade has been called off. Sources in the Defense Ministry told Fontanka that they have not yet received orders to begin preparations for the parade, a process that would already have been in full swing in previous years. Fontanka also reported that, as of June 15, no presidential decree regarding the parade had been issued. “As you can imagine, it’s not the right time,” a Navy spokesperson told Fontanka. Last year, the parade was cancelled due to “security concerns.” At the time, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that it would not happen given the “general atmosphere.” In 2024, the Kronstadt portion of the parade was also cancelled over alleged security concerns, although the St. Petersburg portion did take place. At the time, news outlets reported that Russian security services had warned of a likely attack on naval vessels involved in the parade. According to the New York Times, then-U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin held two phone calls with Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov after Russian intelligence warned of possible covert Ukrainian operations around the planned parade. That warning was allegedly serious enough that Austin contacted Ukrainian officials to urge them not to carry out any potential attacks. Since 2017, the Navy Day parade has been held on the last Sunday of July in St. Petersburg, the home base of the Russian Navy and the Baltic Fleet. Read more about: St. Petersburg , Navy Sign up for our free weekly newsletter Our weekly newsletter contains a hand-picked selection of news, features, analysis and more from The Moscow Times. You will receive it in your mailbox every Friday. Never miss the latest news from Russia. Preview Subscribers agree to the Privacy Policy We sent a confirmation to your email. Please confirm your subscription. A Message from The Moscow Times: Dear readers, We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent." These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia. We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help. Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact. By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us. Once Monthly Annual Continue Not ready to support today? Remind me later. × Remind me next month Remind me Thank you! Your reminder is set. We will send you one reminder email a month from now. For details on the personal data we collect and how it is used, please see our Privacy Policy. Read more St. Petersburg Navy Parade Canceled Over ‘Security Concerns’ The Kremlin told reporters that the annual event would not go ahead as scheduled given the “general atmosphere” and “security concerns.” 2 Min read St. Petersburg Naval Parade Canceled Over Security Concerns – Fontanka This year’s parade has reportedly been downsized and will now feature a wreath-laying ceremony and public festivities on Palace Square. 1 Min read In Photos: Russia Stages Showcase Naval Parade This year’s guest list reflects Russia’s shifting allies on the world stage after its invasion of Ukraine severed its ties with Europe. 1 Min read Russia's Navy Day Sets Sail in St. Petersburg The city where Peter the Great first envisioned Russia's naval power still celebrates the modern Russian Navy.