Russian President Vladimir Putin decided not to hold the traditional large-scale naval parade in St. Petersburg on Russia's Navy Day. This event is typically an important showcase for Russian leadership, but this year it was canceled due to the threat of Ukrainian drone attacks.
Following the incident, St. Petersburg International Airport was closed for six hours, and Russian officials, including presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov, had to wait for hours on planes. Instead of the traditional public spectacle, Putin commented on navy exercises in a working mode, as security risks made the parade impossible.
The Russia-Ukraine war is increasingly affecting the everyday life of Russian society. Ukrainian drones have begun to impact Russian infrastructure, paralyzing civilian aviation and disrupting activities, including major public celebrations. Several key airports, such as Pulkovo and Moscow's largest airports, as well as the popular Sochi resort airport, now regularly suspend flights due to security concerns.
This situation illustrates that the war of attrition is changing life inside Russia, forcing citizens to prioritize security over routines. The logical solution would be to end aggression against Ukraine and vacate occupied territories, but the current Russian leadership does not consider such scenarios. Nevertheless, growing risks and the enduring war are gradually altering attitudes within Russian society.
