Transmission to Portuguese authorities of an internal document from Russian frigate « Shtandart » proving the structurally illegal nature of its activities

We got the first comprehensive internal description of the structurally illegal operation of the frigate Shtandart. The document in question concerns Portugal. We believe that the maritime authorities, police forces and intelligence services of that country should be informed, especially since the Russian offender is expected to sail in their waters again in spring 2026.

For the attention of:

• Portuguese Maritime Authorities
• Embassy of Ukraine in Portugal
• Ukrainian Associations in Portugal

Subject: Transmission of an internal document regarding operational practices of the Russian frigate Shtandart

4 December 2025

Dear Sir or Madam,

I hereby wish to transmit to the Portuguese authorities an internal document originating from a crew member of the Russian frigate Shtandart, identified under MMSI code 518999255. This text can be accessed through the following link: “Shtandart” : Dramatic story about pirate chess, or First Mate Tim versus NATO. It may also be consulted in the attached PDF file. I believe that the content of this document may be relevant for any administrative, maritime, or security assessment, as it describes internal practices that could constitute infringements or irregularities during the vessel’s operations.

The transmitted text is clearly divided into three sections:

1. The crew member’s testimony, describing internal procedures, instructions received on board, and circumstances observed during the operation of the Shtandart.
2. External evidence, such as excerpts from the Portuguese maritime authority’s report, AIS track screenshots, and other elements that independently corroborate various aspects mentioned in the testimony.
3. Complementary factual information, including publicly verifiable elements and contextual data.

I would like to emphasise that I am not lodging any formal complaint. I am simply providing the competent authorities with a document whose internal nature and operational detail may prove useful in understanding the organisation and functioning of the vessel, as well as any irregular practices observed on board.

I remain at your disposal to provide any further clarification or additional information that may assist in the assessment of the facts submitted here.

Kind regards,

Bernard Grua, Nantes, Bretanha, França
Spokesperson of the international collective

Attachments

Letter addressed to the authorities

On the same topic