Russians pull out of Sydney fleet review The Russian navy has withdrawn its ships from October's International Fleet Review in Sydney. THE Russians aren't coming. The Russian navy has withdrawn its ships from October's planned International Fleet Review in Sydney because they have changed plans about where their ships will be located. "While the withdrawal of the Russian ships is disappointing, it is also an example of the utility of navies and warships to flexibly react to changes in national priorities and tasking," navy chief Vice Admiral Ray Griggs said in a statement on Tuesday. The review commemorates the arrival of the Royal Australian Navy fleet in Sydney for the first time in 1913. Eighteen visiting warships and 16 tall ships from around Australia and the world will join 19 RAN ships to participate in the review, which runs from October 3 to 11. Prince Harry will also make his first official visit to Australia for the event.