The Day of the russian Navy is a national holiday in russia, celebrated on the last weekend in July. From 2017 to 2024 this included a main naval parade in the Baltic Sea off St. Petersburg. It involved a review of warships by President Vladimir Putin, with some sailing from other fleets in russia to attend, according to the UK Defence Intelligence.
Read more: UK Defence Intelligence: Ukrainian Attacks Disrupt Kerch Logistics as Ferry Fleet Takes Heavy Losses
Ships and representatives of other nations historically attended too. The main naval parade was reduced in scale in 2024, and the 2025 parade was cancelled entirely, almost certainly due to force protection concerns.
This year, russia's main naval parade has highly likely been cancelled again due to continued security concerns. As recently as June 3, 2026, there was a successful Ukrainian uncrewed aerial system attack on the Baltic Fleet's Boikiy Steregushchiy-class frigate at a dry dock in Kronstadt, near St. Petersburg.
In the absence of the main naval parade, it is likely that russia will hold a maritime exercise similar to its July Storm 2025 exercise.
As Defense Express previously reported, the UK Ministry of Defence has stated that disabling ferries and weakening air defenses in the Kerch Strait expand the possibilities for attacking the crossing.
Read more: UK Defence Intelligence Explaines How Ukraine’s Strikes Brought New Attacks on Crimean Bridge Closer
