The ‘Shtandart’ and European sanctions: second formal warning for Kombat-Tour

On 26 November 2025, a second formal warning was issued to the agency Kombat-Tour concerning its planned cruise aboard the frigate Shtandart in Brittany. An article in Le Télégramme points out that the ship remains banned from European ports due to EU sanctions and French and European court rulings. Continuing with this project would expose the Russian agency to serious legal, commercial and geopolitical risks.

To the attention of:
Management of Kombat Tour
4B Kommunisticheskaya Street
Smolensk, Russia
+7 906 668-45-55
info@kombat-tour.ru
org@kombat-tour.ru

Copies to:
Premar-Ceclant – Maritime Prefect, Commander-in-Chief for the Atlantic
Prefect of Finistère
Prefect of Côtes d’Armor
Prefect of Ille-et-Vilaine

Subject: Transmission of a reference article from Le Télégramme regarding the frigate Shtandart

26 November 2025

Dear Madam, Dear Sir,

On 6 November 2025, I alerted you to the legal and commercial risks associated with your planned cruise aboard the frigate Shtandart, scheduled from 21 to 30 June 2026. For reference, I am attaching this initial letter once again.

You will also find attached an article published yesterday in one of the two leading newspapers of Brittany: “A Russian travel agency organizes a cruise around Brittany aboard the Shtandart… prohibited from European ports.” I am sending you versions in both Russian and English. 

Le Télégramme enjoys strong credibility and wide circulation in the Brest area. The journalist who authored the article is recognized as one of the two French specialists on the Shtandart case. I invite you to review it carefully.

Non-binding personal interpretations

Allow me to provide some useful clarifications. As I have observed during my visits to your country, the separation of powers as applied in Europe is not always well understood in Russia. In the EU, the legislature enacts the law, the judiciary guarantees its interpretation and enforcement, and the executive implements court decisions. The judiciary is fully independent. Consequently, no personal interpretation — whatever the position or network of influence of its author, including the krishas invoked by Mr. Vladimir Martus — can override the law or a court ruling.

Applicable texts and decisions

To date, the texts and decisions applicable to the *Shtandart* are:

• Regulation (EU) No. 833/2014;
• Order of the Administrative Court of Rennes (11/07/2024);
• Decision of the Council of State (18/11/2024);
• Order of the Court of Justice of the European Union (22/08/2025).

As confirmed by the French authorities in Le Télégramme, your service provider is prohibited from accessing EU ports, and in some cases, the territorial waters of certain States.

Non-suspensive appeals

The article mentions potential appeals announced by the Shtandart’s lawyer. If these appeals are not dismissed, they will take place after June 2026. In any case, it is essential to note that these appeals are not suspensive. The prohibition established by the EU regulation, confirmed by French and European courts, remains fully enforceable. Seizures, penalties, or even arrests are possible in case of violations, and the maritime authorities are preparing accordingly.

Questions regarding the true nature of “clients”

You are likely aware that it is currently extremely difficult for a Russian national, even a wealthy one, to use his payment methods within the European Union. This raises doubts about the feasibility of a family trip including local transportation, accommodation, and dining, before and after any potential boarding of the Shtandart. In this context, your “family cruise” raises questions regarding both its true purpose, the identity of its participants and financial backers, especially as it concerns a strategically sensitive area: the Brittany point and the Crozon peninsula.

Economic irrationality of a return to Europe and the resulting questions

It should be noted that while the Shtandart may still maintain commercial operations in the Eastern Mediterranean, it can no longer provide services for remunerative maritime festivals in Western European countries, notably France. Furthermore, embarking and disembarking cruise clients has now become almost impossible. The summer seasons of 2024 and 2025 were entirely lost. Under these circumstances, a return of the vessel to this geographical area is economically irrational, further raising questions about the true purpose of your cruise, its beneficiaries, and its financial sponsors.

Doubts about the costly legal proceedings of the Shtandart

Finally, since 2024, the Shtandart has cited insufficient liquidity and continually solicits public donations via Martus TV GmbH, Mr. Vladimir Martus’s company. Many are questioning the source of funding for its costly legal proceedings and their true objectives.

Alternative solution

In the interest of your clients, your company, and your legal security, I therefore invite you to cancel this planned cruise around Brittany aboard the Shtandart, and to notify the French authorities of this cancellation. Should you wish to propose a navigation project in Europe nonetheless, I remain at your disposal to recommend heritage vessels approved in France or neighboring countries.

Please accept, Dear Madam, Dear Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Bernard Grua
+33 753 900 344 – BernardGrua44@bernardgrua44
Nantes, Brittany, France
Former Naval Officer

Attachments:

Article from Le Télégramme, 25 November 2025

Letter of 6 November 2025