Russia returned a protest note to Ukraine without consideration because of the naval parade in Sevastopol. This was stated to journalists in the Russian Foreign Ministry.
"We have seen this statement of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry. The mentioned note was officially sent to our address. In accordance with established practice, we returned it to the Ukrainian side without consideration due to the fact that the Russian Federation, as a sovereign state, has the right to organize parades, celebrations and other events on its territory at its discretion, without coordination with foreign states," the Ministry said.
"And colleagues in Kiev would be recommended to get rid of illusions and get used to the idea that the Republic of Crimea and the Federal city of Sevastopol are an integral part of the Russian Federation. This choice was made by the residents of Crimea in 2014," the message reads.
Russian military sailors on Sunday, July 26, marked the Day of the Russian Navy with parades in all the largest bases of the fleet-from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky to Baltiysk. Naval parades were also held at the bases of fleets and flotillas in Severomorsk, Baltiysk, Sevastopol, Kaspiysk, Vladivostok and Syrian Tartus.
In Sevastopol, eight warships and support vessels took part in events in honor of the Navy Day, including the newest mine defense ship "Ivan Antonov", the small rocket ship "Orekhovo-Zuyevo", the special purpose ship "Ivan Khurs", the large landing ship "Yamal", the guard "Ladny" and "Pytlivy", the guard missile cruiser "Moskva" and the guard ship of the border service of the FSB.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from RIA Novosti, TASS