St. Petersburg will mark Victory Day in 2026 with a new commemorative format, as the city prepares to host the «Immortal Fleet» for the first time. The event is dedicated to the memory of naval crews who погиб during the Great Patriotic War, Kirill Smirnov, head of the regional branch of the Immortal Regiment of Russia movement, told journalists.

He explained that the initiative is being introduced in the city this year as a distinct tribute to those who served and died at sea, particularly in the Baltic. The concept centers on a flotilla of small vessels — both sailing and motorized — carrying the names and images of ships whose crews never returned from the war.

Those on board will include servicemen with experience from the special military operation in Ukraine, members of the clergy, and children with disabilities.

The «Immortal Fleet» is set to take place on the waters of the Malaya Nevka, with viewing points arranged along Krestovsky Island.

According to Smirnov, organizers in St. Petersburg also plan to recommend that similar events be held in other regions across Russia.

The new initiative will complement the city’s traditional Victory Day program. The Immortal Regiment march is scheduled to proceed along Nevsky Prospekt, a military parade will be held on Palace Square, and the celebrations will conclude with a fireworks display.