Russia cancels Navy Day celebrations due to drone strikes
- Russia's Navy Day celebrations were canceled for security reasons amid rising Ukrainian drone strikes.
- The Russian military intercepted nearly 100 drones in two days, with significant disruptions reported in air travel.
- The decision to cancel events signals heightened security concerns and reflects the ongoing conflict's impact on civilian life.
Russia faced increased threats from Ukrainian drone strikes, prompting the cancellation of its Navy Day celebrations in St. Petersburg and other cities. On July 27, 2025, the Kremlin announced the decision, citing security reasons amidst a notable rise in drone assaults. Between July 26 and July 27, the Russian military reported the downing of nearly 100 Ukrainian drones, with 51 near St. Petersburg alone. This marked a significant uptick in drone activity from Ukraine, as Russia's Defense Ministry later updated the total number of drones downed to 291. President Vladimir Putin continued his planned visit to St. Petersburg despite the cancellation, indicating a commitment to inspect the naval fleet's combat readiness in light of the tense situation. This cancellation is unprecedented since the Navy Day celebrations had been held annually without incident since their initiation in 2017. Other cities, including Kaliningrad and Vladivostok, also saw the cancellation of celebrations. The escalation of drone strikes has caused significant disruptions, including delays to over 70 flights across several airports. The attacks reached various regions within Russia, such as Moscow, Bryansk Oblast, Smolensk, Kaluga, Volgograd, and Crimea. Such widespread drone activities highlight Ukraine's increasing military capabilities, affecting both civilian and military operations within Russian territory. In response to these developments, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced new sanctions packages targeting Russia's