Russia cancels St. Petersburg Navy Day parade for second straight year amid Ukrainian drone threat

Key Points:

• Russia has canceled its annual Navy Day parade in St. Petersburg for the second consecutive year, citing security concerns amid Ukraine's enhanced deep-strike drone capabilities.
• Traditionally held on the last Sunday in July, Navy Day celebrations have included major naval vessel reviews but were scaled back this year, with President Putin delivering a speech at the Navy headquarters instead.
• The cancellation coincides with widespread internet blackouts in St. Petersburg, highlighting the threat posed by Ukrainian drones to Russia's major cities and disrupting state-controlled events.
• Ukraine's drone attacks, including a significant strike on St. Petersburg's Oil Terminal during Russia's Economic Forum in June, have increased in frequency and precision, challenging Russia's air defenses even in Putin's hometown.
• Previous military parades, such as Moscow's Victory Day event, were also scaled down due to similar security fears, underscoring the growing impact of Ukraine's long-range strike capabilities on Russian national celebrations.