Russian Navy Day Ended In Disgrace

Putin took refuge in the Admiralty building.

Putin's aide Nikolai Patrushev stated that he sees no point in continuing to hold large parades on Russian Navy Day. They began in 2017 following a decision by Vladimir Putin, who explained it as a revival of traditions.

“I was born here [in St. Petersburg], you know, and I always used to go to the Neva River and watch the ships. My father was a naval officer, so it was interesting to me. There’s no need to bring a large number of ships here, in my opinion. A limited number is sufficient. I hope there will be [a naval parade as part of Navy Day, but with a limited number of naval vessels],” Patrushev said. “If we focus on parades, that’s not quite right. Ships should be carrying out military missions,” “Agency” quotes him as saying.

Following the decision to hold the first Navy Day parade in 2017, Putin said that it was “not a display of military might, but a revival of traditions”: “We have decided to revive the main naval parade, which will take place soon in St. Petersburg. I assure you, this is not a display of military might; it is the restoration and revival of traditions that date back more than 100 years.” In 2022, Putin enshrined the holding of the Main Naval Parade in the Navy’s Ship Regulations.

After the war in Ukraine began, Russia held the Navy Day parade twice in its usual format. In 2024, the number of ships participating in the parade was significantly reduced. And in 2025, the parade was canceled altogether.

Last year, Putin said that Navy Day was a “beautiful” holiday. “But I think you’ll agree with me that, under current circumstances—and rightly so—we’re celebrating this holiday in a combat-ready working environment, with everyone at their posts,” the president said.

This year, as last year, Putin visited the Admiralty on Navy Day, where he was greeted by an honor guard. Afterward, Putin presented state awards to Navy personnel, addressed them, and spoke with the awardees.

Since Putin arrived at the Admiralty a few hours later this year than he did last year, his schedule for Navy Day will likely be significantly more modest than it was then.

You can support the website Charter97.org

MULTI-CURRENCY ACCOUNT FOR ASSISTANCE:

Bank's name: Bank Millennium S.A.
Address: ul. Stanislawa Zaryna, 2A, 02-593, Warszawa
IBAN: PL97116022020000000216711123
SWIFT: BIGBPLPW
Name of the account holder: Fundacja “KARTA ‘97”
Purpose/title of payment: Donation for statuary aims

You can contact us by the e-mail charter97@gmail.com