Russia Stages Showcase Naval Parade in St. Petersburg: In Photos
Russia's naval forces went on display Sunday for the country's annual Navy Day holiday.
The main event took place in Russia's second-largest city St. Petersburg, with over 40 warships and submarines sailing down the Neva River.
Prior to the ceremony, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree outlining the Russian Navy's doctrine. The 55-page document names the United States and NATO as Russia's main national security threats and details Russia's strategy for naval expansion in the Arctic.
Here's a look at Sunday's parade in action:
The main event took place in Russia's second-largest city St. Petersburg, with over 40 warships and submarines sailing down the Neva River.
Prior to the ceremony, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree outlining the Russian Navy's doctrine. The 55-page document names the United States and NATO as Russia's main national security threats and details Russia's strategy for naval expansion in the Arctic.
Here's a look at Sunday's parade in action:
The Alexander Obukhov coastal minesweeper takes part in the main Navy Day parade in St. Petersburg.
Alexander Demianchuk / TASS
Putin signed a decree on the Russian Navy's new doctrine as well as a decree approving the Navy's ships charter.
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Men with children are seen during Navy Day celebrations in St. Petersburg.
Valentina Pevtsova / TASS
St. Petersburg has been home to the Russian Navy since the days of Peter the Great.
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Putin oversaw the naval procession with the Navy's chief commander Nikolai Yevmenov.
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People carry Russian naval insignias during Russian Navy Day celebrations.
Sergei Fadeichev / TASS
Putin resurrected Navy Day in 2017 after Soviet authorities canceled the holiday in 1980.
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Russia's naval doctrine has previously been amended in response to NATO expansion and the annexation of Crimea from Ukraine.
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The new doctrine provides for Russia to bolster its naval presence in the Arctic, the Black Sea, the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Ocean.
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Yuri Borisov, the former deputy prime minister for the defense-industrial sector, told Russian media that the naval doctrine has been adjusted to account for "changes in the geopolitical and military-strategic situation in the world."
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Borisov said the new provisions of the doctrine "will ensure the introduction of civilian ships and crews into the Navy."
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He added that that the new naval doctrine will ensure as "the functioning of maritime infrastructure in wartime."
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Russia has faced a number of naval setbacks in its invasion of Ukraine.
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The Black Sea Fleet flagship Moskva was sunk off the Ukrainian coast on April 13 in a major embarrassment for Moscow.
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