Alert – The sanctioned Russian vessel « Shtandart » is scheduled to call at Gibraltar on 26 September 2025

The sanctioned Russian vessel Shtandart is attempting to enter Gibraltar on 26 September 2025. Far from being a benign replica, it operates under a flag of convenience, conceals its true ownership, and maintains close ties to the Kremlin’s propaganda network. The letter below, addressed to Gibraltar’s authorities, urges them to enforce UK sanctions and deny the Shtandart access to port.

To the attention of:

  • HM Government of Gibraltar
  • Gibraltar Maritime Authority
  • Gibraltar Harbour Master’s Office

Subject: The sanctioned Russian vessel Shtandart is scheduled to call at Gibraltar on 26 September 2025

24 September 2025

Dear Madam, Dear Sir,

The Russian vessel Shtandart, MMSI 518999255, sailing under the Cook Islands flag of convenience, is heading for Gibraltar, where it intends to call on 26 September 2025.

  1. The Shtandart clearly falls within the scope of the United Kingdom’s sanctions.
  2. Since 6 June 2024, the Russian vessel Shtandart has been flying the Cook Islands flag of convenience.
  3. The Shtandart would be managed by a ‘German’ company.
  4. The Shtandart would be ‘owned’ by a Finnish citizen.
  5. Like the other ships in the Russian shadow fleet, the Shtandart conceals its position.
  6. The close links between the Shtandart and the Russian regime have been proven.

1. The Shtandart clearly falls within the scope of the United Kingdom’s sanctions.

It attempted to enter UK ports during July 2025 but was refused entry because it is affected by :

It is no concerned by:

The Shtandart is indeed linked to Russian interests, even though it attempts to conceal this by resorting to the practices of that country’s shadow fleet.

2. Since 6 June 2024, the Russian vessel Shtandart has been flying the Cook Islands flag of convenience.

On 6 June 2024, the Shtandart, which previously belonged to the St Petersburg-based company Shtandart Project, switched its Russian flag for that of the Cook Islands in order to circumvent the restrictive port measures taken against Russia. 

Even when registered in the Cook Islands, the Shtandart frequently flies a large Russian Empire flag at the top of the main mast, or even the foremast. It is also possible to check the Shtandart’s profiles on Marine Traffic and Vessel Finder. Although these accounts were created after the Shtandart was registered in the Cook Islands, the ship is depicted flying the Russian imperial flag, the Russian war flame and the Russian national flag.

3. The Shtandart would be managed by a ‘German’ company.

The commercial company, Martus TV GmbH is domiciled at a P.O. Box in Hamburg. According to the attached (1) certificate, the main shareholder is a Russian citizen Vladimir Martus, the skipper of the Shtandart. He holds 80% of the shares in Martus TV GmbH. The remaining 20% is owned by Russian citizen Irina Ermakova. She is Vladimir Martus’s wife. Vladimir Martus is the Chairman and Managing Director. Therefore, Martus TV GmbH is a Russian shadow company, controlled and owned by a Russian citizen. On the same certificate, Vladimir Martus claims to hold dual Russian and Ukrainian nationality. This claim is obviously false.

Martus TV GmbH, a Russian shadow company owned and controlled by Vladimir Martus, claims to be the ‘managing owner’ of the Shtandart. Consequently, the Russian citizen, Vladimir Martus is the hidden but very real owner of the Shtandart through Martus TV GmbH.

4. The Shtandart would be ‘owned’ by a Finnish citizen.

During the first half of 2024, ownership was transferred from the company Shtandart Project to Maria (Mariia) Martus, daughter of Vladimir Martus. A Russian citizen born in Russia, Maria Martus completed her higher education at Aalto University in Helsinki. This enabled her to obtain a Finnish passport.However, Maria (Mariia) Martus, employee at WSP Finland, is merely a front for circumventing European sanctions. As explained above, the real owner is Vladimir Martus.

5. Like the other ships in the Russian shadow fleet, the Shtandart conceals its position.

While passing Kilmore Quay en route to Dublin in the Irish Sea on 6 July 2025, the Shtandart disconnected its automatic identification system (AIS) at 10:30 UTC. It did not activate the system again until it was anchored off the village of Killiney, as it had not obtained permission to call at Dublin or any other Irish port. Then, on 9 July 2025 at 00:00 UTC, the Russian vessel made an unannounced and unauthorised overnight call at the small Irish port of Clogherhead

On 17 July 2025, while attempting to dock at Scapa Pier in the UK, the Shtandart again disconnected its AIS. It was expelled by the British Coastguard

On 26 July 2025, the Shtandart once again disconnected its AIS until 2 August 2022. It took advantage of this to make an unannounced stopover in the port of Hvide Sande for several days without notifying the Danish maritime authorities. See the article on this subject : Formodet russisk spionskib lå flere dage i dansk havn: Kaptajn Vladimir hemmeligholdt besøget (Suspected Russian spy ship spent several days in Danish port: Captain Vladimir kept visit secret).

Hundreds of Russian documents prove Vladimir Martus’ connections with the Russian presidential administration and its propaganda outlets. This contradicts his alleged status as an ‘opponent’ of the regime. The private yacht Shtandart is not the training ship it claims to be either. To avoid making this text too long, we will simply refer to the press release from the Russian Consulate General in Edinburgh, which raises questions about the Shtandart’s real mission(s).

See also:

Attached (2 & 3) are the letters we received from the British Department for Transport following the alerts we sent them.

We remain at your disposal for any further information you may require.

Yours faithfully,

Bernard Grua
Nantes, Bretagne, France
Spokesperson for the international collective

Attachments

Property of Martus TV GmbH and Shtandart

Property of Martus TV GmbH and Shtandart

Letters from the British Department for Transport

Shtandart‘s summer 2025 tour

Un problème est survenu. Veuillez rafraîchir la page et/ou réessayer.

Alert: Imminent risk of illegal entry into Spanish southern territorial waters and ports by the Russian vessel « Shtandart »

The Russian vessel Shtandart, despite the explicit prohibition by the Court of Justice of the European Union, continues attempting to enter EU ports. Following recent incidents in Galicia and Portugal, the international collective No Shtandart in Europe alerts the Spanish authorities of the imminent risk of incursions into the country’s southern waters.

To the attention of:
– Spanish maritime authorities
– Maritime captaincies of Andalusia, Ceuta, and Melilla
– Port authorities of southern Spain

Subject: Imminent risk of illegal entry into Spanish southern territorial waters and ports by the Russian vessel Shtandart

23 September 2025

Dear Sir or Madam,

We respectfully wish to draw your attention to the imminent risk of illegal entry by the Russian vessel Shtandart into Spanish territorial waters and ports in southern Spain.

The order issued on 22 August 2025 by the Court of Justice of the European Union formally stipulates the strict prohibition of any call by the Russian vessel Shtandart (MMSI 518999255) at Union ports.

This decision expressly confirms the application of Article 3ea bis of Regulation (EU) No 833/2014, with no possibility of legal appeal.

Furthermore, due to its various violations, Spain has prohibited the Shtandart from accessing its territorial waters since 27 July 2024.

There is a risk of unannounced and unauthorized port calls, as occurred this summer in Clogherhead (Ireland), Inverie (Scotland), and Hvide Sande (Denmark).

Additionally, coming from the Bay of Biscay, the Shtandart violated the territorial waters of Galicia from 19 to 20 September 2025. On 21 September 2025, it attempted to enter the port of Leixões (Portugal) and was only prevented by the intervention of a patrol vessel.

We also emphasize that this Russian vessel frequently resorts to “humanitarian” blackmail to force entry into ports where it is prohibited.

Registered under the flag of the Cook Islands since 6 June 2024, the Shtandart also habitually switches off its AIS (Automatic Identification System) in order to conceal its position and destination.

We attach three recent articles regarding the violations committed by this vessel on the Iberian Peninsula’s coasts:

The vessel can be tracked on:

We remain at your disposal for any further information and send you our kind regards.

Bernard Grua
Nantes, Brittany, France
Spokesperson for the international collective


Coordinated monitoring by maritime authorities is essential to ensure compliance with European sanctions and to protect Spain’s sovereignty against further provocations by the Shtandart.

Shtandart‘s summer 2025 tour

Alerta: Riesgo inminente de entrada ilegal en aguas territoriales y en los puertos meridionales de España por el buque ruso « Shtandart »

El buque ruso Shtandart, pese a la prohibición expresa del Tribunal de Justicia de la Unión Europea, sigue intentando entrar en puertos comunitarios. Tras recientes incidentes en Galicia y Portugal, el colectivo No Shtandart in Europe alerta a las autoridades españolas del riesgo inminente de incursión en aguas del sur del país.

A la atención de:

  • Autoridades marítimas españolas
  • Capitanías marítimas de Andalucía, Ceuta y Melilla
  • Responsables portuarios del sur de España

Asunto: Riesgo inminente de entrada ilegal en aguas territoriales y en los puertos meridionales de España por el buque ruso Shtandart

23 de septiembre de 2025

Estimadas Señoras, Estimados Señores,

Deseamos llamar respetuosamente su atención sobre el riesgo inminente de entrada ilegal del buque ruso Shtandart en aguas territoriales y en los puertos del sur de España.

La orden dictada el 22 de agosto de 2025 por el Tribunal de Justicia de la Unión Europea estipula formalmente la prohibición estricta de toda escala del buque ruso Shtandart (MMSI 518999255) en los puertos de la Unión.

Esta decisión confirma expresamente la aplicación del artículo 3 sexies bis del Reglamento (UE) n.º 833/2014, sin posibilidad alguna de recurso jurídico.

Asimismo, debido a sus diversas infracciones, España prohibió el acceso del Shtandart a sus aguas territoriales desde el 27 de julio de 2024.

Cabe temer escalas no anunciadas y no autorizadas, como ocurrió este verano en Clogherhead (Irlanda), Inverie (Escocia) y Hvide Sande (Dinamarca).

Además, procedente del golfo de Vizcaya, el Shtandart violó las aguas territoriales de Galicia del 19 al 20 de septiembre de 2025. El 21 de septiembre de 2025, intentó entrar en el puerto de Leixões (Portugal) y solo fue rechazado por la intervención de una patrullera.

Destacamos, asimismo, que dicho buque ruso recurre con frecuencia al chantaje “humanitario” para forzar la entrada en puertos que le están prohibidos.

Inscrito bajo pabellón de las Islas Cook desde el 6 de junio de 2024, el Shtandart acostumbra además a desconectar su AIS (Sistema de Identificación Automática) con el fin de ocultar su posición y destino.

Adjuntamos tres artículos recientes relativos a las infracciones cometidas por este buque en las costas de la península ibérica.

Puede ser localizado en:

Quedamos a su disposición para cualquier información complementaria y les saludamos muy atentamente.

Bernard Grua Nantes, Bretaña, Francia
Portavoz del colectivo internacional


La vigilancia coordinada de las autoridades marítimas resulta esencial para garantizar el respeto de las sanciones europeas y proteger la soberanía de España frente a nuevas provocaciones del Shtandart.

Sobre el mismo tema

 Alert: Violation of Spanish Territorial Waters by the « Shtandart », a Sanctioned Russian Vessel

The presence of the Shtandart in Spanish waters is not a simple maritime incident but a clear breach of European sanctions and Spain’s national sovereignty. This ship, a symbol of Russian propaganda and previously expelled from Spain in 2024, returned to Galicia in September 2025, openly defying the country’s decisions. Its presence undermines the credibility of the European Union’s restrictive measures and requires a firm and immediate response from the Spanish authorities.

To the attention of:

  • Spanish authorities responsible for enforcing European sanctions
  • Spanish maritime authorities
  • Harbour masters of Galicia

Subject: Alert: Violation of Spanish Territorial Waters by the Shtandart, a Sanctioned Russian Vessel

20 September 2025

Dear Madam, Dear Sir,

The Russian vessel Shtandart (MMSI 518999255), whose operations resemble those of the Russian “shadow fleet,” entered Spanish territorial waters on 19 September 2025 at approximately 21:30 UTC (23:30 local time), as evidenced by the attached screenshots. The vessel remained present on the morning of 20 September.

Since 27 July 2024, however, this vessel has been prohibited from accessing Spanish waters and ports, as reported by the national press (El Mundo, 27/07/2024: “Russian sailboat expelled from Spanish waters after anchoring in Galicia without permission”).

It is evident that its captain and de facto owner, Vladimir Martus, is once again testing the resilience of European sanctions and Spain’s determination to uphold its decisions. An undeclared stopover cannot be ruled out, nor a potential attempt to justify the visit under the pretext of a so-called “humanitarian case,” as noted in our letter of 17 September.

We respectfully urge you to maintain the highest level of vigilance regarding this vessel, which is closely linked to Russian authorities and has repeatedly violated European and national regulations for over three years.

Sincerely yours,

Bernard Grua
Nantes, Brittany, France
Spokesperson of the International Collective

The Russian vessel Shtandart (MMSI 518999255), whose operations resemble those of the Russian “shadow fleet,” entered Spanish territorial waters on 19 September 2025
19/09/2025 – 21:41 UTC – 23:41 Local Time – 43°50’57.8″N 7°20’05.1″W
The Russian vessel Shtandart (MMSI 518999255), remained in Spanish territorial waters on the morning of 20 September
20/09/2025 – 08:51 UTC – 10:51 Local Time – 43°28’34.8″N 8°27’19.3″W

Shtandart‘s summer 2025 tour

Alerta: violación de las aguas territoriales españolas por el « Shtandart », buque ruso bajo sanciones

La entrada del buque ruso Shtandart en aguas españolas no es un simple incidente marítimo, sino una flagrante violación de las sanciones europeas y de la soberanía nacional. Este buque, símbolo de la propaganda rusa y ya expulsado de España en 2024, regresó a Galicia en septiembre de 2025, desafiando abiertamente las decisiones de este país. Su presencia constituye una amenaza a la credibilidad de las medidas restrictivas de la Unión Europea y exige una respuesta firme e inmediata de las autoridades españolas.

A la atención de :
Autoridades españolas responsables de la aplicación de las sanciones europeas
Autoridades marítimas españolas
Capitanías marítimas de Galicia

Asunto: Alerta: violación de las aguas territoriales españolas por el Shtandart, buque ruso bajo sanciones

20 de septiembre de 2025

Distinguidas Señoras, distinguidos Señores:

El buque ruso Shtandart (MMSI 518999255), cuyas actividades presentan numerosas similitudes con las de los buques de la “flota fantasma” rusa, entró en aguas territoriales españolas el 19 de septiembre de 2025 hacia las 21:30 UTC (23:30 hora local), como lo demuestran las capturas de pantalla adjuntas. El navío seguía presente en la mañana del 20 de septiembre.

Sin embargo, desde el 27 de julio de 2024, este buque tiene prohibido el acceso a aguas y puertos españoles, en virtud de la decisión comunicada por la prensa nacional (El Mundo, 27/07/2024: «Expulsan de aguas españolas a un velero ruso que fondeó en Galicia sin permiso»).

Resulta evidente que su capitán y propietario de hecho, Vladimir Martus, intenta nuevamente poner a prueba la solidez de las sanciones europeas y la determinación de España de hacer respetar sus propias decisiones. No se puede descartar una escala no declarada, o incluso un intento de justificación bajo el pretexto de un supuesto «caso humanitario», como ya señalamos en nuestra carta del pasado 17 de septiembre.

Nos permitimos respetuosamente invitarles a ejercer la máxima vigilancia respecto a este buque, estrechamente vinculado al poder ruso, y que desde hace más de tres años comete violaciones reiteradas de las normativas europeas y nacionales.

Atentamente,

Bernard Grua
Nantes, Bretaña, Francia
Portavoz del colectivo internacional

Shtandart (MMSI 518999255), cuyas actividades presentan numerosas similitudes con las de los buques de la “flota fantasma” rusa, entró en aguas territoriales españolas el 19 de septiembre de 2025 hacia las 21:30 UTC
19/09/2025 – 21:41 UTC – 23:41 Local Time – 43°50’57.8″N 7°20’05.1″W
Le navire russe Shtandart (MMSI 518999255), dont les activités présentent de nombreuses similitudes avec celles des navires de la « flotte fantôme » russe, était toujours présent dans les eaux territoriales espagnoles le matin du 20 septembre.
20/09/2025 – 08:51 UTC – 10:51 Local Time – 43°28’34.8″N 8°27’19.3″W

Sobre el mismo tema

Muito em breve, o navio russo sancionado, « Shtandart », poderá tentar forçar a entrada num ou em vários portos de Portugal.

🇵🇹 Alerta para Portugal
Depois de ter sido expulso das águas espanholas e impedido em portos da Irlanda, Reino Unido, Noruega e Dinamarca, o navio russo sancionado Shtandart poderá agora tentar entrar em Cascais ou noutros portos portugueses. Uma carta oficial já foi enviada às autoridades para prevenir qualquer atracagem ilegal.
📩 Ler a carta
🇬🇧 Alert for Portugal
After being expelled from Spanish waters and blocked in ports of Ireland, the UK, Norway and Denmark, the sanctioned Russian vessel Shtandart may now attempt to dock in Cascais or other Portuguese ports. An official letter has been sent to the authorities to prevent any illegal mooring.
📩 Read the letter

🇵🇹 Correio em português

Para atenção de:

  • Autoridades Marítimas de Portugal
  • Embaixada da Ucrânia em Portugal
  • Associações ucranianas em Portugal

Assunto: Muito em breve, o navio russo sancionado, Shtandart, poderá tentar forçar a entrada num ou em vários portos de Portugal.

19 de setembro de 2025

Prezada Senhora, Prezado Senhor,

O Shtandart, MMSI 518999255, encontra-se neste momento a abandonar águas francesas com destino a Tânger, devendo chegar a 27 de setembro de 2025. No seu site oficial indica Cascais como porto de escala. Contudo, não seria surpreendente que o navio russo, sob bandeira de conveniência das Ilhas Cook, tentasse atracar de forma não anunciada e não autorizada em portos portugueses, como já ocorreu este verão noutros países. De facto, atracou ilegalmente em Clogherhead (Irlanda), Inverie (Escócia) e Hvide Sande (Dinamarca), e foi impedida uma tentativa de atracagem em Scapa Pier, nas Ilhas Orkney, pelos guardas-costeiros britânicos.

Ainda que por razões desconhecidas, constata-se que o Shtandart normalmente navega junto às costas dos países do seu itinerário. Se necessário, o navio russo poderá recorrer à chantagem de tipo « humanitário » para forçar a entrada nos portos.

Seria sensato informar todas as capitanias competentes. O Shtandart partilha com os navios da frota fantasma russa certas práticas, como a desativação do AIS (Sistema de Identificação Automática) para ocultar posição e destino.

Assim, está definitivamente vedada qualquer possibilidade de recurso jurídico contra medidas restritivas aplicadas pela União Europeia.

Encontra abaixo galerias fotográficas do Shtandart, livres para uso mediático. Esta carta também está disponível online para partilha.

Estamos à vossa disposição para qualquer esclarecimento adicional e apresentamos os nossos cordiais cumprimentos.

Bernard Grua, Nantes, Bretanha, França
Porta-voz do coletivo internacional
No Shtandart in Europe


🇬🇧 Correspondence in English

To the attention of:

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

Subject: Very shortly, the Russian vessel under sanctions, Shtandart, may attempt to force entry into one or more Portuguese ports.

19 September 2025

Dear Madam, Dear Sir,

The Shtandart, MMSI 518999255, is currently departing French waters bound for Tangier, with scheduled arrival on 27 September 2025. Its official website lists Cascais as a port of call. However, it would not be surprising if the Russian vessel—registered under the Cook Islands flag—attempts unannounced and unauthorized dockings at Portuguese ports, as it has done this summer in other countries. It illegally docked at Clogherhead (Ireland), Inverie (Scotland), and Hvide Sande (Denmark), and an attempted stop at Scapa Pier in the Orkney Islands was blocked by the UK coastguard.

For reasons not entirely clear, Shtandart usually sails close to the coastlines of its intended route. If necessary, the vessel may resort to “humanitarian” blackmail to force its entry into ports.

It would be prudent to alert all relevant port authorities. Like other vessels of the Russian ghost fleet, Shtandart reportedly switches off its AIS (Automatic Identification System) transmitter to obscure its position and intentions.

Below you will find freely usable photo galleries of Shtandart for media use. This letter is also available for online sharing.

We remain at your disposal for any further information, and please accept, dear Madam, dear Sir, our best regards.

Bernard Grua, Nantes, Brittany, France
Spokesperson of the International Collective
No Shtandart in Europe


O navio russo Shtandart expulso das águas territoriais espanholas, 27 de julho de 2024
O navio russo Shtandart expulso das águas territoriais espanholas, 27 de julho de 2024
Russian vessel Shtandart expelled from Spanish territorial waters, 27 July 2024

🇵🇹 Fotos livres de direitos autorais para ilustrar os seus artigos. / 🇬🇧 Royalty-free photos to illustrate your articles.

Muy pronto, el buque ruso sancionado, « Shtandart », podría intentar de nuevo entrar en los puertos españoles.

En septiembre de 2025, el Shtandart, un buque ruso sujeto a sanciones, podría entrar en aguas territoriales españolas, lo que le está prohibido. Además, no es imposible que intente realizar escalas no anunciadas y no autorizadas en uno o varios puertos del país. Se ha enviado una carta en este sentido a las autoridades españolas con el fin de alertarlas.

A la atención de :
Autoridades marítimas españolas
Embajada de Ucrania en España
Asociaciones ucranianas en España

Re :  Muy pronto, el buque ruso sancionado, « Shtandart », podría intentar de nuevo entrar en los puertos españoles.

17 de septiembre de 2025

Distinguidas Señoras, distinguidos Señores

Me permito llamar su atención sobre la situación relativa al buque ruso Shtandart (MMSI 518999255), actualmente en tránsito desde aguas francesas hacia Tánger, con llegada prevista el 27 de septiembre de 2025.

Este buque, que navega bajo pabellón de conveniencia de las Islas Cook, ya fue objeto de una prohibición expresa de entrada en aguas territoriales españolas en fecha 27 de julio de 2024. No obstante, existen motivos fundados para pensar que podría intentar vulnerar nuevamente dicha prohibición. Asimismo, cabe la posibilidad de que efectúe escalas no anunciadas ni autorizadas en la costa norte de España o en Andalucía, como ha sucedido recientemente en otros Estados. Durante este verano, el Shtandart atracó ilegalmente en Clogherhead (Irlanda), Inverie (Escocia) y Hvide Sande (Dinamarca), y un intento de atraque en Scapa Pier (islas Orcadas) fue impedido por la guardia costera del Reino Unido.

De manera reiterada, se ha observado que el Shtandart navega próximo a las costas de los distintos países incluidos en su itinerario. En este contexto, no se puede descartar que intente recurrir, como es habitual en él, al chantaje humanitario para forzar su entrada en un puerto. Conviene señalar, además, que en su página web figura todavía anunciada una escala en Portugalete, pese a no corresponder a su ruta directa.

Consideramos oportuno que todas las capitanías marítimas potencialmente afectadas sean debidamente informadas. Ello se justifica en particular por el hecho de que el Shtandart comparte determinadas prácticas con los buques de la denominada « flota fantasma rusa », entre ellas la desconexión de su AIS (Sistema de Identificación Automática), con objeto de ocultar su posición y destino.

Finalmente, es de suma importancia destacar que el 22 de agosto de 2025 el Tribunal de Justicia de la Unión Europea confirmó que el Shtandart se encuentra comprendido, desde el 16 de abril de 2022, en el ámbito de aplicación del artículo 3 sexies bis del Reglamento (UE) nº 833/2014. En consecuencia, el buque carece de toda posibilidad de recurso jurídico contra las medidas restrictivas adoptadas en el marco de las sanciones impuestas a la Federación de Rusia.

Agradeciendo de antemano la atención prestada, quedo a su disposición para facilitar cuanta información complementaria estimen necesaria.

Les saludo atentamente,

Bernard Grua Nantes, Bretaña, Francia
Portavoz del colectivo internacional

El buque ruso Shtandart expulsado de las aguas territoriales españolas, 27 de julio de 2024
El buque ruso Shtandart expulsado de las aguas territoriales españolas, 27 de julio de 2024

Galerías de fotos libres de derechos, disponibles para periodistas

📷 Retour à la Rochelle, 10/09/2025
📷 Bassin des chalutiers, du 26/08/2025 au 03/09/2025
📷 La Rochelle du 25 juin 2022 au 16 août 2025
📷 Manifestation à Baden, Golfe du Morbihan (Pierre Saury 1/2), 18/05/2023
📷 Manifestation à Baden, Golfe du Morbihan (Pierre Saury 2/2), 18/05/2023
📷 Manifestation à Baden, Golfe du Morbihan (Jean Charles), 18/05/2023
📷 Manifestation à Vannes, Golfe du Morbihan, 18/03/2023
📷 Manifestation Rouen, L’Armada, 18/02/2023
📷 Soutiens à la manifestation Rouen (Odessa, La Rochelle, Kropyvnytskiy, Dnipro, Boutcha, Nantes, Paris, Lorient, Saintes) 18-20 février 2022
📷 La Rochelle , manifestation de plusieurs villes, 11/12/2022
📷 Російський військовий корабель, іди нахуй! 02/12/2022
📷 Manifestation des Ukrainiens sur le quai d’honneur, bassin des chalutiers, La Rochelle, 06/08/2022
📷 Arrivée dans le vieux port de La Rochelle, avec l’arrogance de la flamme de guerre russe en haut du mât, 03/07/2022.

Sobre el mismo tema

Is the sanctioned « Shtandart » a Russian spy ship?

By disconnecting its Automatic identification system (AIS) between Norway and France and making a secret stopover in the port of Hvide Sande, the sanctioned Russian ship Shtandart has sparked a wave of outrage and suspicion in Denmark. However, can we claim that it is a Russian spy ship, as suggested by tvSyd, a Danish media?

Readers will find below some information to help them form their own opinion.



Clarification sent to tsSyd, 9 September 2025

From: No Shtandart In Europe 
To: Martin Riber Jakobsen, tvSyd
Re: « …Bernard Grua’s assessment of the ship as a spy ship… »
9 September 2025

Dear Martin,

I read your last article about Shtandart (08/09/2025).

Formodet russisk spionskib lå i dansk havn trods forbud – andre uvelkomne skibe kan også få adgang (Suspected Russian spy ship docked in Danish port despite ban – other unwelcome ships may also be granted access)

You write:

« … Bernard Grua… said that based on a number of pieces of evidence, he believes he can say that the ship has connections to the Russian state and is carrying out espionage tasks.

– ‘..Bernard Grua’s assessment of the ship as a spy ship’

In this complex case, where misinformation and fanciful allegations abound, we are committed to producing documented and verifiable facts.

Given the numerous factual elements that I presented to you on 7 August 2025 (see below) in‘Shtandart: a POTENTIAL threat to national security’, I explained why this ship and Vladimir Martus could be of interest to the Russian services. I wrote to you that the Shtandart is :

  1. A Russian ship cherished by Saint Petersburg
  2. An ambassador and an instrument of Russian imperialist propaganda
  3. A formidable lever of influence
  4. An excellent platform for intelligence gathering
  5. A search for stealth
  6. An interest in strategic sites”

However, we have no proof that it is engaged in a spy  activity. I am therefore not claiming that it is a spy ship. At most, it can be considered a POTENTIAL threat to national security.

Sincerely yours,
Bernard Grua


Initial information sent to tvSyd, 7 August 2025

From: No Shtandart In Europe 
To: Martin Riber Jakobsen, tvSyd
Re: Shtandart: a POTENTIAL threat to national security
7 August 2025

Dear Martin,

I have compiled a list of national security issues raised by the Shtandart. Most of the information comes from a paper I wrote in December 2022, with additional details from an English presentation of September 2023.

In July 2024, we obtained that the Shtandart banned was from all Finistère ports, including the full roadstead of Brest and the bay of Douarnenez. Since July 2024, the Shtandart has also been unable to turn off its AIS in French territorial waters.

1. A Russian ship cherished by Saint Petersburg

The Russian frigate Shtandart was built in the 1990s with the support of the municipality of Saint Petersburg, at a time when Anatoly Sobchak was mayor. One of Sobchak’s closest advisers was Vladimir Putin. The Shtandart is registered in Saint Petersburg, Russia. It sails under the Russian flag (before June 2024). It is owned by the « Shtandart Project » organisation, based in Saint Petersburg, more than 60% of whose shares are held by Vladimir Martus, the captain(before June 2024). The remaining 40% are held by people close to Vladimir Martus. Martus is therefore, in effect, the owner and operator of a vessel that can be considered a private yacht. Vladimir Martus was born (1966), grew up and was educated in Leningrad, now Saint Petersburg. He is a Russian national and citizen. Saint Petersburg is where his wife and children live (2018).

2. An ambassador and an instrument of Russian imperialist propaganda

Less than six months before the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, as the sound of Russian boots became deafening, the Shtandart carried out a very official mission on behalf of the Russian Federation in the Aegean Sea in October 2021 for the Russian Geographical Society, under the leadership of Sergei Shoigu, the minister responsible for the war in Ukraine. The expedition’s objective was to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the victory at Chesma against the Ottoman Empire.

 It should be noted that the Aegean expedition of the Shtandart took place under the auspices of Vladimir Putin. It was financed by the Russian Presidential Administration’s Grant Fund, i.e. from Putin’s personal coffers.

October 2021: the cultural attaché of the Russian Embassy in Greece, Fyodor Kalaidov, on board frigate “Shtandart” in the port of Piraeus, Greece, at the kick-off ceremony for the expedition.
October 2021: the cultural attaché of the Russian Embassy in Greece, Fyodor Kalaidov, on board frigate “Shtandart” in the port of Piraeus, Greece, at the kick-off ceremony for the expedition.
Medal for the Greek diplomatic expedition of the « Shtandart » awarded to the participants, to Sergey Shoigu and to Vladimir Putin
Medal for the Greek diplomatic expedition of the « Shtandart » awarded to the participants, to Sergey Shoigu and to Vladimir Putin

During its port visits, unless expressly prohibited by local authorities, the Shtandart flies the Russian flag and ensign (war flame).

3. A formidable lever of influence

Vladimir Martus, who is close to the Russian government, enjoys a prodigious network of influence in the maritime sector, in the French senior civil service, among politicians, maritime festival organisers and local authorities. He is bound to be of interest to the special services of a government hostile to France and eager for levers of influence.

Vladimir Martu and Shtandart, who are close to the Russian government, enjoys a prodigious network of influence in the maritime sector,

4. An excellent platform for intelligence gathering

The Shtandart, equipped with two 560 horsepower engines, is overpowered and particularly manoeuvrable.

Two 560 hp engines
A total of 1,120 hp
« Maximum engine speed is 13 knots ».

It has a shallow draught and is rigged with a 33-metre-high mainmast. Its wooden hull and textile rigging make it less visible on radar screens. These features could make the Shtandart an excellent platform for acoustic, radio, magnetic and optical intelligence gathering at a time when other Russian ships are banned from our shores.

5. A search for stealth

After the restrictive measures were adopted, just before its first arrival in La Rochelle, the Shtandart deactivated (06/06/2022) its AIS*. This behaviour, aimed at better concealing its movements, is consistent with that of other Russian ships circumventing international sanctions.

Note: AIS*, or ‘Automatic Identification System’, is a navigation tool and aid. It transmits information about transmitting vessels within a certain radius to other vessels. Above all, it allows transmitting vessels to be visible despite difficult conditions and to avoid collisions. It displays: ship name, flag, MMSI number (unique identification number for each ship), ship position, course, speed, port of departure and arrival.

6. An interest in strategic sites

At a time when not a week goes by without Russia threatening us with nuclear apocalypse, these are risk areas that should not be overlooked. In any case, since June 2022, the Shtandart, with its AIS disconnected, has shown a keen interest in the Brest harbour and the Crozon peninsula. In the past, it does not appear to have visited them with such frequency. The Russian ship has the option of visiting the other military ports of Toulon, Lorient and Cherbourg or the DGA missile testing sites (DGA EM) in Biscarosse and Ile du Levant.   

P112 is the most regulated and monitored airspace in France. It is located at the tip of Brittany above Brest and the Crozon peninsula and serves to secure the highly sensitive Ile-Longue base (Strategic Oceanic Force). It also includes the Quélern site (base for DGSE combat swimmers), the Lanvéoc naval air base and the port of Brest.(base of the French naval forces in the Atlantic).

Bernard Grua
Sincerely yours,


Conclusion

The journalists at tvSyd provide valuable reporting. By sharing my email exchanges, I want to clarify that I never claimed the Shtandart is a spy ship, but highlighted factual behaviors that warrant legitimate attention. This transparency ensures my comments are not misinterpreted and supports constructive dialogue with the media.


Original emails

9 September 2025

Bernard Grua's assessment of the Shtandart as a spy ship

7 August 2025


See also

Press review: Russian ship ‘Shtandart’ in Denmark, July 2025

In the summer of 2025, the Shtandart used all the stratagems of ships belonging to the Russian shadow fleet. But a journalist, alerted by the disconnection of his AIS, foiled the sanctions-avoidance scenario, provoking a wave of indignation in Denmark against the fraudster. Au cours de l’été 2025, le Shtandart a utilisé tous les stratagèmes…

Is the sanctioned "Shtandart" a Russian spy ship?

The “Shtandart” explicitly banned – the Court of Justice of the European Union puts an end to its deceptive narrative

The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU)has confirmed that the Russian ship Shtandart has been subject to port sanctions since 16 April 2022. With Vladimir Martus having made public the confidential correspondence received on this subject, a number of organisations and institutions that chose to ignore the texts and disregard the well-founded warnings communicated to them could find themselves in an awkward position.

  1. A series of judicial failures
  2. A strategy triply harmful for the Shtandart
  3. A harmful effect on the Shtandart’s supporters
  4. Baseless judicial harassment
  5. The position of No Shtandart in Europe
  6. Conclusion

To the attention of the organisers of the 2025 Tall Ships Races:
Le Havre, Dunkirk, Aberdeen, Kristiansand, Esbjerg

Copy: 

  • Maritime authorities of Ireland, the United Kingdom, Norway, Denmark 
  • Media in Ireland, the United Kingdom, Norway, Denmark

Re: The “Shtandart” explicitly banned – the Court of Justice of the European Union puts an end to its deceptive narrative

7 September 2025

Dear Madam, dear Sir,

Luxembourg, 22 August 2025 – The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has formally confirmed that the Russian ship Shtandart is subject to EU sanctions and cannot enter any European port. This decision definitively ends more than a year of proceedings initiated by Mr Thierry Clerc, lawyer for Vladimir Martus, the de facto owner of the vessel, and demonstrates the deceptive and abusive nature of his legal maneuvers.

Court of Justice of the European Union, 22 August 2025 – Order in Case T-446/24

A series of judicial failures

Since the summer of 2024, Mr Thierry Clerc has filed multiple appeals in an attempt to impose the Shtandart’s presence:

Since 2022, the No Shtandart in Europe collective has consistently pointed out that the Shtandart clearly falls under port sanctions, as confirmed by several media outlets: El Faro de Vigo, 76actu, La Croix, Ouest-France, HitWest and again Ouest-France. Article 3ea of EU Regulation No 833/2014 is straightforward and leaves no ambiguity about the application of sanctions to the vessel. This was clearly explained to Mr Thierry Clerc on 15 May 2023 and 14 November 2024.

Beyond legal failure, this was also the failure of a deliberate attempt at deception, aimed at misleading authorities, the media, and public opinion against the decision of the 27 EU Member States. This duplicity in favor of Russian interests makes Mr Thierry Clerc’s responsibility even heavier.

A strategy triply harmful for the Shtandart

The appeals lodged by Mr Clerc, Clerc & Partners, not only failed. They also proved to be triply detrimental to his client, Russian citizen Vladimir Martus:

  • Financially: repeated proceedings caused considerable expenses. To fund these legal actions, the private yacht Shtandart, falsely presented as an association, has partly relied on public generosity by soliciting donations to the account of MartusTV GmbH, a commercial company registered in Germany, owned and controlled by Vladimir Martus.
  • Legally: by petitioning the courts at all levels, Mr Clerc helped consolidate, as seen above, a clear and firm case law against the Shtandart.
  • Media and political impact: by involving the highest judicial authorities, Mr Clerc drew media and public attention to the vessel’s attempts to circumvent EU regulations. He also contributed to exposing the similarities between the Shtandart and practices typical of the Russian “shadow fleet.”

By multiplying maneuvers and illusions, while refusing to present reality to his client, Mr Thierry Clerc effectively sealed the vessel’s fate.

A harmful effect on the Shtandart’s supporters

Mr Clerc’s actions also has serious political and institutional consequences:

Baseless judicial harassment

Alongside his appeals, Mr Clerc has repeatedly threatened and taken legal action against the No Shtandart in Europe collective.

In light of the CJEU’s decision, this harassment appears for what it is: abusive, without legal basis, and contrary to the professional ethics of lawyers.

It is an attempt at intimidation aimed at silencing those defending compliance with European law.

The position of No Shtandart in Europe

The No Shtandart in Europe collective, declares:

“This decision marks the end of a legal saga built on illusions and deceptions. It validates the position we have defended from day one: the Shtandart is not a training ship, but a Russian influence tool under sanctions. From now on, no European port must remain open to it.”

Conclusion

The CJEU’s order formally ends the illusions and deceptions maintained by Mr Thierry Clerc. It shows how harmful his actions have been:

  • for the vessel,
  • for its institutional supporters,
  • for international associations now compromised,
  • for the integrity of the legal profession,
  • and finally for organizations genuinely working to preserve maritime heritage, which he has weakened by associating them with a cause contrary to the rule of law.

In this context, professional sanctions should be considered against Mr Thierry Clerc, to restore trust in the legal profession and protect the rule of law.

Furthermore, the No Shtandart in Europe collective calls in particular on the Prefect of Charente-Maritime (La Rochelle), as well as on all European and national authorities, to rigorously enforce this case law in order to preserve the coherence of sanctions against Russia and safeguard the unity of European law. In this regard, given the Shtandart’s repeated violations, the only viable solution seems to be to follow the Spanish example: a ban from territorial waters.

This text is available and shareable online:

Sincerely yours,

Bernard Grua
Spokesperson


Letter from Sail Training International asking local organisers of the Tall Ships Races to welcome the sanctioned Russian Shtandart, 25 March 2025.

Complicit associations of Shtandart  – such as Les Amis des Grands Voiliers - Sail Training Association France and Sail Training International in the UK (see letter below)  – are discredited for having publicly sided against European regulations, in favor of a Russian vessel explicitly banned.

Shtandart‘s summer 2025 tour

Le “Shtandart” formellement interdit – la Cour de justice de l’Union européenne met fin à l’imposture de Me Thierry Clerc

À la suite de l’ordonnance de la CJUE concernant le Shtandart, il est une nouvelle fois demandé au bâtonnier de Rouen de sanctionner le comportement contraire à la déontologie de la profession d’avocat de Me Thierry Clerc, qui représente les intérêts russes. Le préfet de la Charente-Maritime est, quant à lui, rappelé à l’ordre : il est de sa responsabilité d’appliquer le règlement européen dans les ports de son département.
Shtandart : il est une nouvelle fois demandé au bâtonnier de Rouen de sanctionner le comportement contraire à l'éthique professionnelle de Me Thierry Clerc

À l’attention de : 

  • Maître Franck Langlois,
    Bâtonnier du barreau de Rouen
    Ordre des Avocats
    6 Allée Eugène Delacroix
    7600 Rouen
    ordre@barreau-rouen.avocat.fr
    02.32.08.32.70
  • Monsieur Brice Blondel,
    Préfet de la Charente-Maritime
    Préfecture de la Charente-Maritime
    38 rue Réaumur
    CS 70000
    17017 La-Rochelle CEDEX 1

Copies :

  • M. Gabriel Attal
  • Ukrinform
  • Ouest-France
  • Le télégramme
  • La Croix
  • Union des Ukrainiens de France

Objet : Le “Shtandart” formellement interdit – la Cour de justice de l’Union européenne met fin à l’imposture de Me Thierry Clerc

Le 7 septembre 2025

Monsieur le Bâtonnier,

Monsieur le Préfet,

Luxembourg, 22 août 2025 – La Cour de justice de l’Union européenne (CJUE) a confirmé de manière formelle que le navire russe Shtandart est soumis aux sanctions de l’UE et ne peut accéder à aucun port européen. Cette ordonnance met un terme définitif à plus d’un an de procédures engagées par Me Thierry Clerc, avocat de Vladimir Martus, propriétaire de facto du navire, et démontre la nature trompeuse ainsi qu’abusive de ses manœuvres juridiques.

Cour de justice européenne, 22 août 2025 – Ordonnance concernant l’affaire T-446/24

  1. Une série d’échecs judiciaires
  2. Une stratégie triplement néfaste pour le Shtandart 
  3. Un effet délétère sur les soutiens du Shtandart 
  4. Un harcèlement judiciaire sans fondement
  5. La position du collectif No Shtandart in Europe
  6. Conclusion

Une série d’échecs judiciaires

Depuis l’été 2024, Me Thierry Clerc a multiplié les recours pour tenter d’imposer la présence du Shtandart :

Depuis 2022, le collectif No Shtandart in Europe n’a cessé d’exposer que le Shtandart relevait clairement des sanctions portuaires, comme l’ont confirmé plusieurs médias : El Faro de Vigo, 76actu, La Croix, Ouest-France, HitWest puis, à nouveau,Ouest-France. L’article 3 sexies bis du règlement UE n⁰833/2014 est d’une lecture très simple et ne laisse aucune ambiguïté sur l’application des sanctions au navire. Ceci a d’ailleurs été clairement exposé à Me Thierry Clerc, le 15 mai 2023 et le 14 novembre 2024.

Au-delà de l’échec juridique, il s’agit également de l’échec d’une manœuvre délibérée de mystification destinée à tromper les autorités, les médias et l’opinion publique contre une décision des 27 États membres de l’UE. Cette duplicité en faveur d’intérêts russes rend la responsabilité de Me Thierry Clerc encore plus lourde.

Une stratégie triplement néfaste pour le Shtandart 

Les recours de Me Clerc, cabinet Clerc Avocats, n’ont pas seulement échoué. Ils se sont révélés triplement nuisibles à son client, le Russe Vladimir Martus :

  1. Sur le plan financier : les procédures répétées ont entraîné des dépenses considérables. Pour financer ces actions judiciaires, le yacht privé Shtandart, se prétendant associatif, fait, pour partie, appel à la générosité du public en sollicitant des versements sur le compte de MartusTV GmbH, société commerciale, détenue et contrôlée par Vladimir Martus, enregistrée en Allemagne.
  2. Sur le plan juridique : en sollicitant la justice à tous les niveaux, Me Clerc a contribué à consolider une jurisprudence claire et ferme contre le Shtandart.
  3. Sur le plan médiatique et politique : en impliquant les plus hautes autorités judiciaires, Me Clerc a attiré l’attention des médias et de l’opinion publique sur les opérations de contournement du règlement UE par le navire russe. Il a également contribué à révéler les similitudes du Shtandart avec des pratiques relevant de la flotte fantôme russe.

En multipliant les manœuvres et les tentatives d’illusion ainsi qu’en refusant d’exposer la réalité à son client, Me Thierry Clerc a en réalité scellé le sort du navire.

Un effet délétère sur les soutiens du Shtandart 

L’action de Me Clerc a aussi des conséquences politiques et institutionnelles graves :

  • Les soutiens institutionnels du Shtandarty compris certains hauts fonctionnaires – se retrouvent aujourd’hui dans une position intenable. Leur compromission restera comme une tache vis-à-vis de l’État de droit.
  • Les associations complices – telles que les Amis des Grands Voiliers en France et Sail Training International au Royaume-Uni – se trouvent décrédibilisées pour avoir pris publiquement parti contre le règlement européen, en faveur d’un navire russe explicitement frappé d’interdiction.
  • La municipalité et la direction du port de La Rochelle se trouvent directement mises en cause par l’ordonnance de la CJUE, en raison de leur engagement dans l’accueil et le soutien du Shtandart après la ratification par le Conseil européen du 5e volet des sanctions pris suite au massacre de Boutcha. Cette implication dans le soutien à des intérêts russes, les place dans une position contraire au droit européen.

Un harcèlement judiciaire sans fondement

En parallèle de ses recours, Me Clerc a multiplié les menaces et démarches judiciaires contre le collectif No Shtandart in Europe.
À la lumière de la décision de la CJUE, ce harcèlement apparaît pour ce qu’il est : abusif, dénué de base légale, et contraire à la déontologie de la profession d’avocat.
Il s’agit d’une tentative d’intimidation visant à réduire au silence ceux qui défendent le respect du droit européen.

La position du collectif No Shtandart in Europe

Le collectif No Shtandart in Europe déclare :

« Cette décision marque la fin d’un feuilleton juridique construit sur des illusions et des tromperies. Elle valide la position que nous défendons depuis le premier jour : le Shtandart n’est pas un navire-école, mais un outil d’influence russe sous sanctions. Désormais, plus aucun port européen ne doit lui être ouvert. »

Conclusion

L’ordonnance de la CJUE met un terme formel aux illusions et aux tromperies entretenues par Me Thierry Clerc. Elle démontre combien ses actions ont été nuisibles :

  • pour le navire,
  • pour ses soutiens institutionnels,
  • pour des associations internationales aujourd’hui compromises,
  • pour le respect de la déontologie de la profession d’avocat,
  • et enfin pour les organisations œuvrant sincèrement à la préservation du patrimoine maritime, qu’il a fragilisées en les associant à une cause contraire à l’État de droit.

Dans ce contexte, des sanctions professionnelles devraient être envisagées à l’encontre de Me Thierry Clerc, afin de restaurer la confiance que l’on doit avoir envers la profession d’avocat et protéger l’État de droit.

De plus, le collectif No Shtandart in Europe appelle particulièrement le préfet de Charente-Maritime, ainsi que l’ensemble des autorités européennes et nationales, à faire appliquer avec rigueur cette jurisprudence, pour préserver la cohérence des sanctions contre la Russie et garantir l’unité du droit européen. À ce titre, compte tenu des infractions à répétition du Shtandart, la seule solution envisageable paraît celle de suivre l’exemple espagnol : un bannissement des eaux territoriales.

Je vous prie d’agréer, Monsieur le Bâtonnier, Monsieur le Préfet, l’expression de mes salutations respectueuses. 

Bernard Grua
Porte-parole


Courriel original


Autres informations sur le cabinet Clerc Avocats en rapport avec le navire russe Shtandart