Texte en françaisDated 3 January 2025, a letter from Michel Balique, president of Les Amis des Grands Voiliers — Sail Training Association France, provides a remarkable summary of the rhetoric used against activists opposing the Russian ship Shtandart‘s failure to comply with sanctions over the past three years. Submitting this text to ChatGPT delivered an interesting independent analysis. The review demonstrated the causes that have gradually undermined the credibility of the main orchestrator of the circumvention of European regulations for this case.
I. Main rhetorical devices used by Michel Balique
- Ad hominem
- Straw man
- Loaded language / Dysphemism
- 4. Appeal to fear
- Appeal to consequence
- Ethos (appeal to credibility)
- Irony / Sarcasm
- Binary opposition / False dichotomy
Exhibit: Letter from Michel Balique
– English version
– French original version
I. Main rhetorical devices used by Michel Balique
Michel Balique’s letter employs a number of rhetorical devices to defend the presence of the Russian ship Shtandart in European waters and to discredit his critic, Bernard Grua. Below is a breakdown of the main rhetorical devices used, with examples from the text:
1. Ad hominem
Balique attacks Bernard Grua personally rather than addressing the substance of his claims:
- “…something in which he specializes and which allows him to present himself as a great defender of the Ukrainian people…”
- “…nothing but ramblings driven by excessive pride.”
These are personal attacks aimed at undermining Grua’s credibility and motives.
2. Straw man
He misrepresents Grua’s argument to make it easier to refute:
- “…they will not have saved a single life in Ukraine, nor intercepted a single Russian missile or drone.”
This frames Grua’s goal as unrealistically militaristic (stopping missiles or saving lives directly), which likely misrepresents the actual political or symbolic intention behind opposing the ship.
3. Loaded language / Dysphemism
He uses emotionally charged terms to provoke negative reactions against his opponent:
- “…pamphlet serves no purpose other than to fuel a sterile and hateful controversy…”
- “…fabrications and articles he has either written himself or dictated.”
- “…most cynical and contemptible…”
These words convey scorn and contempt, positioning Grua as dishonest and egotistical.
4. Appeal to fear
Balique introduces a dire consequence if the ship is expelled:
- “…I doubt it will take more than a week before it is seized and its captain imprisoned…”
This is intended to frighten readers with the potential fallout of taking Grua’s side.
5. Appeal to consequence
He suggests that Grua’s actions would help Putin:
- “…they will have rendered a great service to Putin…”
This device diverts from the merits of the argument to focus on the supposed negative outcome.
6. Ethos (appeal to credibility)
Balique uses his titles to bolster his authority:
- “President of ‘Les Amis des Grands Voiliers…’”
- “Knight of the National Order of Maritime Merit”
By invoking his status, he seeks to lend weight to his argument through personal credibility.
7. Irony / Sarcasm
His sign-off is tinged with sarcasm, given the accusatory tone preceding it:
- > “I wish you an excellent year 2025.”
This creates a rhetorical contrast, subtly mocking the situation or those he addresses.
8. Binary opposition / False dichotomy
He implies that the only two options are keeping the Shtandart in European waters or handing it to Putin:
- “As long as it remains in European waters… But as soon as it is cast out…”
This excludes more nuanced positions (e.g. allowing the ship under new conditions or further inquiry).
II. Line-by-line annotation of Michel Balique’s letter, identifying and explaining the rhetorical devices used throughout.
From: mbalique@amisdesgrandsvoiliers.org
To: noshtandartineurope@gmail.com
CC: Préfecture Finistère, Atlantic Maritime Prefecture, Brest City Hall, Le Monde, La Croix, Le Télégramme, Le Chasse-Marée, Ouest-France, Tebeo TV, Union of Ukrainians in France, Franco-Ukrainian associations of Brittany, Oxana Melnychuk, Serguei Jirnov
📌 Rhetorical Strategy: Public positioning / Appeal to authority and witnesses
By copying a long list of authorities and media figures, Balique publicly frames the conflict, signaling credibility and exposing his opponent to scrutiny.
Date: January 3, 2025, 6:16 PM
(No rhetorical device here—standard header)
Dear Sir or Madam,
(Standard formal opening—no rhetorical device here)
Since Bernard Grua’s pamphlet serves no purpose other than to fuel a sterile and hateful controversy — something in which he specializes and which allows him to present himself as a great defender of the Ukrainian people — this letter will be my final response.
- 🎯 Ad hominem: Attacks Grua’s character by calling him a habitual provocateur.
- 🗣️ Loaded language: “Sterile and hateful controversy” suggests pettiness and malice.
- 🎭 Sarcasm/Irony: « Great defender of the Ukrainian people » implies insincerity.
- 🧱 Poisoning the well: Sets up Grua as inherently untrustworthy before any argument is even addressed.
While one can only agree with the second paragraph of his email, the rest is nothing but ramblings driven by excessive pride.
- 🔨 Condescension: “One can only agree” dismisses dissent.
- 🗯️ Ad hominem + Loaded language: “Ramblings” and “excessive pride” diminish the content as irrational and egotistical.
- 🚫 Dismissal without rebuttal: No specific argument is engaged with—just rejected.
All the so-called documents he presents are, in fact, fabrications and articles he has either written himself or dictated.
- 🗯️ Loaded language: “So-called,” “fabrications,” “dictated” imply deception.
- 🎯 Ad hominem: Implying he invents or manipulates sources.
- 📉 Undermining credibility: Suggests Grua’s evidence is illegitimate without substantiating the claim.
What is most cynical and contemptible in Bernard Grua’s behavior is that, even if he succeeds in his goal of forcing the Shtandart out of European waters, he and his fellow collective members will be rubbing their hands with satisfaction.
- 🗯️ Loaded language: “Cynical,” “contemptible,” “rubbing their hands” are emotionally charged.
- 🧟 Dehumanization / Suggestive imagery: “Rubbing their hands” evokes glee at others’ misfortune—a villainous image.
- 🎯 Ad hominem: Again focuses on intent and character rather than actions or facts.
And yet, they will not have saved a single life in Ukraine, nor intercepted a single Russian missile or drone.
- 🥊 Straw man: Misrepresents the likely political/symbolic aim of Grua’s actions as failing in a military objective.
- 🔍 Appeal to futility: Suggests the effort is meaningless by holding it to an impossible standard.
- 💥 False equivalence: Equating symbolic protest with direct military impact.
Worse still, they will have rendered a great service to Putin, who, since 2009, has been trying to seize the ship as a kind of trophy.
- 🎯 Appeal to consequence: Warns that Grua’s actions help the enemy.
- 👿 Guilt by association: Implies Grua’s actions align with Putin’s desires.
- 📚 Historical reference / Appeal to fear: Cites Putin’s long-standing ambition to amplify the stakes.
As long as it remains in European waters, the Russians will not attempt anything.
- ⚖️ False dichotomy: Implies only two options—keep the ship in Europe or hand it to Russia.
- 🔮 Speculative logic: Presents assumption as fact (“will not attempt anything”).
But as soon as it is cast out into international waters, I doubt it will take more than a week before it is seized and its captain imprisoned for having spoken out against the war in Ukraine and for calling for Putin’s removal.
- 🔥 Appeal to fear: Predicts grim consequences if the ship is expelled.
- 🎯 Pathos: Invokes sympathy for the captain.
- 🚔 Slippery slope: Suggests immediate catastrophic consequences from one action.
- 🪤 Trap framing: Suggests that efforts to oppose the ship will backfire and harm anti-Putin voices.
I wish you an excellent year 2025.
- 🎭 Sarcasm/Irony: A polite close that sharply contrasts with the accusatory tone, functioning as a final jab.
- 🧊 Tone shift (passive-aggressive): Attempts to reassert dignity or superiority while undermining opponents.
Michel Balique
President of “Les Amis des Grands Voiliers — Sail Training Association France”
Knight of the National Order of Maritime Merit
- 🏅 Ethos (appeal to authority): Uses titles to lend credibility and moral standing.
- 📣 Argument from position: Suggests his status qualifies him as a more trustworthy voice than his opponent.
Summary of Key Devices Used:
| Device | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Ad hominem | Discredit Grua personally rather than his arguments |
| Loaded language | Manipulate emotional reaction |
| Straw man | Oversimplify and misrepresent the opponent’s stance |
| Appeal to fear | Evoke anxiety about consequences |
| Appeal to consequence | Suggest harmful outcomes to dissuade support |
| Ethos | Boost author’s credibility through titles |
| Sarcasm/Irony | Undermine through tone rather than content |
| False dichotomy | Frame the issue as binary with no middle ground |
| Slippery slope | Predict dire outcomes from limited actions |
| Guilt by association | Link opponent’s actions with an enemy’s goals |
Exhibit: Letter from Michel Balique
English version
From: mbalique@amisdesgrandsvoiliers.org
To: noshtandartineurope@gmail.com
CC: Préfecture Finistère, Atlantic Maritime Prefecture, Brest City Hall, Le Monde, La Croix, Le Télégramme, Le Chasse-Marée, Ouest-France, Tebeo TV, Union of Ukrainians in France, Franco-Ukrainian associations of Brittany, Oxana Melnychuk, Serguei Jirnov
Date: January 3, 2025, 6:16 PM
Dear Sir or Madam,
Since Bernard Grua’s pamphlet serves no purpose other than to fuel a sterile and hateful controversy — something in which he specializes and which allows him to present himself as a great defender of the Ukrainian people — this letter will be my final response.
While one can only agree with the second paragraph of his email, the rest is nothing but ramblings driven by excessive pride. All the so-called documents he presents are, in fact, fabrications and articles he has either written himself or dictated.
What is most cynical and contemptible in Bernard Grua’s behavior is that, even if he succeeds in his goal of forcing the Shtandart out of European waters, he and his fellow collective members will be rubbing their hands with satisfaction. And yet, they will not have saved a single life in Ukraine, nor intercepted a single Russian missile or drone. Worse still, they will have rendered a great service to Putin, who, since 2009, has been trying to seize the ship as a kind of trophy. As long as it remains in European waters, the Russians will not attempt anything. But as soon as it is cast out into international waters, I doubt it will take more than a week before it is seized and its captain imprisoned for having spoken out against the war in Ukraine and for calling for Putin’s removal.
I wish you an excellent year 2025.
Michel Balique
President of “Les Amis des Grands Voiliers — Sail Training Association France”
Knight of the National Order of Maritime Merit
French original version
De : mbalique@amisdesgrandsvoiliers.org
A : noshtandartineurope@gmail.com
Copies : Préfecture Finistère, Préfecture maritime atlantique, Mairie de Brest, Le Monde, La Croix, Le Télégramme, Le Chasse-Marée, Ouest-France, Tebeo TV, Union des Ukrainien de France, associations franco-ukrainiennes de Bretagne, Oxana Melnychuk, Serguei Jirnov
Date: 3 janv. 2025 18:16
Madame, Monsieur,
Le pamphlet de Bernard Grua n’ayant d’autre but que celui d’alimenter une polémique stérile et haineuse dont il est un grand spécialiste, et qui lui permet de se présenter en grand défenseur du peuple Ukrainien ce courrier sera la dernière réponse de ma part.
Si l’on ne peut qu’être d’accord avec le second paragraphe de son mail, tout le reste n’est qu’élucubration dictée par un orgueil démesuré. Tous les soi-disant documents qu’il exhibe sont en fait des montages et des articles qu’il a soit écrits soit dictés.
Et ce qui est le plus cynique, le plus méprisable dans l’attitude de Bernard Grua, c’est que en admettant qu’il parvienne à son but et fasse quitter les eaux européennes au Shtandart, lui et ses amis du collectif se frotteront les mains de plaisir. Et pourtant , ils n’auront épargné aucune vie en Ukraine, il n’auront intercepté aucun missile aucun drone russe. Mieux encore, ils auront rendu un grand service à Poutine qui depuis 2009 ne cesse de tenter de mettre la main sur le bateau comme une sorte de trophée. Tant qu’il est dans les eaux européennes, les Russes ne tenteront rien. Mais dès qu’il sera rejeté dans les eaux internationales, je ne donne pas huit jours avant qu’il soit arraisonné et son capitaine emprisonné pour s’être déclaré contre la guerre en Ukraine et avoir réclamé la destitution de Poutine.
Je vous souhaite une excellente année 2025.
The "Shtandart" In Europe 
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