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Russia’s Baltic Fleet Celebrates 320 Years of Naval Legacy on May 18

From Peter the Great’s daring 1703 raid to modern strategic might, this fleet’s story is etched in Russia’s military soul. Why does May 18 still matter today?

In this image there are few ships in the water, few cranes, towers, few buildings, mountains, the...
In this image there are few ships in the water, few cranes, towers, few buildings, mountains, the sun and the sky.

Russia’s Baltic Fleet Celebrates 320 Years of Naval Legacy on May 18

The Baltic Fleet stands as one of Russia’s oldest and most vital naval formations. Its history stretches back over three centuries, closely tied to the founding of St. Petersburg and key military victories. Each year on May 18, the fleet marks its official day, commemorating a landmark battle from 1703.

The fleet’s origins trace back to May 18, 1703, when Peter the Great led a small flotilla to capture two Swedish warships near the Neva River. This victory marked the fleet’s first combat success and coincided with the early construction of St. Petersburg, a city that would later become its strategic heart.

The Baltic Fleet remains a cornerstone of Russia’s naval power, blending historical legacy with modern strategic roles. Its annual celebration on May 18 honours both its founding victory and its enduring influence in the Baltic Sea.

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