March 5, 2026 Interprefectural Order: A Definitive Rebuttal of Vladimir Martus’ Slanderous Allegations

To whom it may concern,

March 5, 2026 Interprefectural Order: A Definitive Rebuttal of Vladimir Martus’ Slanderous Allegations

Vladimir Martus’ Attacks

For several years, I have 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 my reports. My evidence-based findings—particularly concerning the so-called “Kombat-Tour” cruise—were carefully examined. This process culminated in an inter-prefectural 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 – Preliminary Findings
• Kombat-Tour, 26 November 2025 – Evidentiary Submissions
• Kombat-Tour, 2 December 2025 – 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 like myself.

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

No further comment is required.

Fair winds to the Shtandart!

Bernard Grua
Spokesperson for the collective

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