Slanderous Allegations by Russian national Vladimir Martus against Bernard Grua: an Official and Decisive Rebuttal by the Inter-prefectoral Order of 5 March 2026

To whom it may concern,

March 5, 2026 Inter-prefectoral Order: A Definitive Rebuttal of Vladimir Martus’ Slanderous Allegations against Bernard Grua

Vladimir Martus’ Attacks

For several years, Bernard Grua faced sustained judicial harassment (full dossier available – French) by Russian national Vladimir Martus, captain and covert owner of the Shtandart, and by his lawyer, Thierry Clerc. This campaign was clearly intended to intimidate and silence legitimate scrutiny.

Such actions were not incidental, but part of a deliberate strategy. They included slanderous denunciations designed to mislead interlocutors and undermine the credibility of a whistleblower. They also aimed to promote a false narrative about the Shtandart and to invert the perception of victim and aggressor. French maritime authorities were among the primary targets. Such methods—combining disinformation, legal pressure, and narrative manipulation—are characteristic of Russian authoritarian influence tactics targeting civil society.

These attempts collapsed under the weight of documented facts.

An official and definitive administrative decision

The Atlantic Maritime Prefecture ultimately recognized the validity of Bernard Grua’s reports. His evidence-based findings—particularly concerning the “Kombat-Tour” cruise—were carefully examined. This process culminated in an inter-prefectoral order covering the North Sea, the English Channel, the Atlantic, and the Mediterranean. It fully prohibits the Shtandart in France (text of the order). The reports are accessible here:

• Kombat-Tour, 6 November 2025 – Bernard Grua’s Preliminary Findings
• Kombat-Tour, 26 November 2025 – Bernard Grua’s Evidentiary Submissions
• Kombat-Tour, 2 December 2025 – Bernard Grua’s Consolidated Case File

This decision definitively discredits the claims promoted by Vladimir Martus. It confirms that the maritime prefects acted independently, with honour, based on facts, and in full compliance with applicable law, free from any pressure or attempts at manipulation. This is a legitimate source of pride for any French citizen, and particularly for a former naval officer (Bernard Grua, Lieutenant, French Navy).

Bernard Grua thanks the French maritime authorities

Alongside the Union of Ukrainians in France and the Iroise-Ukraine association, on behalf of the No Shtandart in Europe collective, Bernard Grua expressed his gratitude to the maritime prefects for the clarity and rigour of their decision (acknowledgement letter).

Shtandart: a landmark administrative decision

The inter-prefectural order of 5 March 2026 now stands as a landmark in the Shtandart case in France. It marks an important milestone in the investigation into the vessel’s activities and in the assessment of the reports submitted by Bernard Grua.

Conclusion

The established facts and the administrative decisions taken in the Shtandart case shed clear light on the findings made by Bernard Grua.

The facts speak for themselves.

Fair winds to the Shtandart!

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Read more about 5 March 2026 order against TS Shtandart