For more than three years, the fictional story of the Russian ship Shtandart, which was designed to circumvent sanctions imposed as a result of Russia’s criminal aggression against Ukraine, has been protean. It is constantly fed to maximise confusion. Here, we will focus on debunking the most commonly used misinformation from the summer of 2025.
The Greek diplomatic mission performed by the Shtandart in October 2021 was organised by the Russian embassy in Greece. It was conducted under the auspices of Vladimir Putin and financed by the grant fund of the presidential administration — Putin’s personal fund.
In summer 2024, hundreds of articles were published by propaganda outlets and Russian newspapers. The Shtandart was referred to as the ‘Russian ship’ or the ‘Russian frigate’, even after the change of registration country from Russia to the Cook Islands on 6 June 2024.
Last but not least, the press release from the Russian Consulate in Edinburgh published by TASS makes clear to everyone that this extraordinary, rough and undiplomatic statement is a violent positiontaking in favour of a Russian asset.
The Shtandart continues to fly frequently a large Russian imperial flag on top of its main mast.
Russian imperial flag : « Gulf of Morbihan Week 2025 » (May 26 to June 1, 2025)
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, they show the ship flying the Russian national flag, the Russian imperial flag and the Russian war flag.
‘The Shtandartis owned by a Finn and operated by a German company.’
In fact, the official Shtandart property was transferred from the Saint Petersburg-based company ‘Shtandart Project’ to Mariia Martus in 2024. This young daughter ofVladimir Martus is a Russian citizen. She studied in Helsinki and, then, obtained a Finnish passport.
The ‘German’ company ‘Martus TV GmbH’ is registered in Hamburg at a PO Box address. Vladimir Martus, a Russian citizen, owns 80% of its shares. The remaining 20% of shares are held by another Russian citizen, Irina Ermakova, who is Vladimir Martus’s wife. According to Martus’s own declaration (attached below), ‘Martus TV GmbH’ is the « managing owner » of the Shtandart. Vladimir Martus is also the director of ‘Martus TV GmbH’. Now you understand who is actually the de facto Russian owner of the private yacht Shtandart.
‘An international team of sailing enthusiasts’
In every conflict, there are collaborators. It’s nothing new. But in the case of the Shtandart, it might be even simpler. The young people I met in Brest, on 16 July 2024, are losers in real life. They are pleased to be under the dominance of their guru, Vladimir Martus. They don’t think for themselves. These brainwashed worshippers repeat the language elements prepared by Martus. After two or three sentences, however, they get lost. They start repeating Moscow’s anti-Western and Ukrainian-phobic rhetoric. The Shtandart is a formidable Russification machine.
‘He left the country over a decade ago, and from what I hear, not even on good terms.’
In 2007, Vladimir Martus violated Russian security regulations. He violated them again in 2009. That’s why he fled abroad. However, Martus proclaimed on Instagram, VK, Facebook, the Shtandart website and Russian media in July 2020 that everything had been resolved.
Martus diplomatic mission in Greece proves that he is on very good terms with the Russian authorities. This is evident, for example, in the RT documentary produced in 2014.
After 2020, the Shtandart could return to Russia. However, Martus found it more lucrative to perform at European festivals. Don’t forget that the Neva river is frozen for more than four months of the year. This is not conducive to business, not to mention the other missions he could be in charge of in western Europe. Nevertheless, we have evidence that Martus was in Saint Petersburg between the beginning of January and February 2022, i.e. a few days before the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Кораблик встал на межсезонный ремонт в греческом городе Каристос. А я приехал домой – трудно поверить, но – первый раз за 12 лет. Телефон тот же что и был, я здесь до середины февраля.
The ship is in the off-season repair in the Greek town of Karystos. And I came home – hard to believe, but – for the first time in 12 years. Phone is the same as it was, I’m here until mid-February.
The Shtandart never officially had the status of a training ship. However, until 2007, it did carry out a similar assignment for the Saint Petersburg Political Committee for Youth. Its aim was to promote Russian patriotism.
Учебные плавания на фрегате « Штандарт » входят в программу « Школа жизни – паруса Истории », поддержанную комитетом по молодежной политике и связям с общественными организациями администрации Санкт-Петербурга.
Training voyages on the frigate ‘Standart’ are part of the programme ‘School of Life – Sails of History’ supported by the political committee for Youth and Relations with Public Organisations of St. Petersburg Administration.
Since then, the Shtandart has acted in accordance with its actual status as a privately owned yacht, paid for attending maritime events. Between festivals, the Shtandart carries paying passengers, who are called ‘trainees’, in order to bypass the SOLAS convention.
A l’attention de : Ministère des transports du Royaume-Uni
Copies :
Ambassade d’Ukraine au Royaume-Uni
Ambassade d’Ukraine en France
HM Coastguard
M. Gabriel Attal, Président du groupe d’amitié France-Ukraine à l’Assemblée nationale française
Ukrainian Aberdeen
Union des Ukrainiens de France
Objet : Ref TO-00044152, le collectif lanceur d’alertes « No Shtandart in Europe » répond à la lettre du ministère britannique des transports concernant le navire russe sous sanctions « Shtandart ».
19 juillet 2025
Chère Madame, Cher Monsieur,
Au nom du collectif « No Shtandart in Europe », je tiens à vous remercier pour votre lettre aimable et détaillée du 18 juillet 2025, qui est jointe à ce message. Elle concerne le navire russe sous sanctionsShtandart (MMSI : 518999255), qui navigue sous le pavillon de complaisance des îles Cook depuis le 6 juin 2024.
L’Ukraine est notre ligne de front commune contre la barbarie la plus abjecte. Votre correspondance démontre la détermination du Royaume-Uni à soutenir résolument et sans ambiguïté ce pays victime de l’invasion criminelle et meurtrière de la Russie.
Vous mentionnez notamment le rôle crucial des autorités portuaires britanniques dans l’application des sanctions portuaires. Nous tenons à souligner que nous avons toujours reçu un accueil courtois, bienveillant et professionnel de la part des Harbour Masters et des HM Coastguard avec lesquels nous avons été en contact.
En ce qui concerne la navigation du Shtandart à partir de la côte nord de la Bretagne, où il n’avait pas le droit d’accoster, nous pouvons rapporter ce que nous avons observé. Le navire russe n’a pas accédé à Falmouth ni à l‘île de Man. Il semble avoir fait une tentative non-annoncée et infructueuse d’entrer dans les îles Scilly le 4 juillet 2025.
Le Shtandart a fait une escale inopinée et probablement illégale à Inverieles 13 et 14 juillet 2025. Il ne semble pas que les autorités l’aient encore sanctionné pour cela. Vous trouverez plus d’informations sur cette infraction dans notre document détaillé.
Le 17 juillet 2025, le Shtandart a déconnecté son AIS (Automatic Identification System) avec, apparemment, l’intention d’accoster à Scapa Pierdans les îles Orcades.
Le communiqué de presse publié par le consul général de Russie en Ecosse et repris par l’agence de propagande TASS témoigne de l’intérêt du gouvernement russe pour la présence du Shtandart dans les ports des pays occidentaux, le long de leurs côtes et dans leurs eaux territoriales.
Les services de renseignement de nos pays respectifs devraient en prendre note. Le texte du consul russe est plein de rage. Il est très peu diplomatique et extrêmement agressif. Il est explicitement conflictuel et provocateur, et il insulte les citoyens du Royaume-Uni. En ce qui concerne la population russe, tant en Russie qu’en Grande-Bretagne, les imprécations du consul sont clairement destinée à y promouvoir la haine des Britanniques, voire pire.
Enfin, la prose consulaire russe révèle la véritable mission du Shtandart, au-delà de la fiction trompeuse et sirupeuse promue par son capitaine et propriétaire caché, Vladimir Martus.
Nous restons à votre disposition, ainsi qu’à celle des services de renseignement britanniques, pour fournir tout ou partie des documents que nous avons recueillis dans cette affaire d’ingérence russe pour le moins inhabituelle.
Nous tenons également à souligner que nous attendons de l’appareil d’Etat français qu’il fasse preuve du même professionnalisme et de la même détermination que son homologue britannique dans l’affaire Shtandart.
Je vous prie d’agréer, Chère Madame, Cher Monsieur, l’expression de mes salutations distingués.
Bernard Grua, Nantes, Bretagne, France Ancien officier de Marine Porte-parole
M. Gabriel Attal, President of the France-Ukraine Friendship Group at the French National Assembly
Ukrainian Aberdeen
Union des Ukrainiens de France
Subject: Ref TO-00044152, the whistleblower collective ‘No Shtandart in Europe’ responds to the letter from the UK Department for Transport about the sanctioned Russian ship « Shtandart ».
19 July 2025
Dear Sir/Madam,
On behalf of the « No Shtandart in Europe » collective, I would like to thank you for your kind and detailed letter of 18 July 2025, which is attached to this message. It concerns the sanctioned Russian ship Shtandart (MMSI: 518999255), which has been sailing under the flag of convenience of the Cook Islands since 6 June 2024.
Ukraine is our common frontline against the most abject barbarism. Your correspondence demonstrates the United Kingdom’s determination to resolutely and unambiguously support this country that has fallen victim to Russia’s criminal and murderous invasion.
You mention in particular the crucial role of the British port authorities in applying port sanctions. We would like to stress that we have always received a courteous, benevolent and professional welcome from the Harbour Masters and the HM Coastguard with whom we have been in contact.
With regard to the Shtandart‘s navigation from the north coast of Brittany, where the Shtandart was forbidden to dock, we can report what we observed. The Russian ship did not enter Falmouth or the Isle of Man. It appears to have made an unannounced and unsuccessful attempt to enter the Isles of Scilly on 4 July 2025.
The Shtandart made an unannounced and presumably illegal stopover in Inverie from 13 to 14 July 2025. It does not appear that the authorities have sanctioned it for this yet. You can find out more about this offence in our detailed document.
On 17 July 2025, the Shtandart disconnected its AIS (Automatic Identification System) with, apparently, the intention of berthing at Scapa Pier in the Orkney Islands.
The press release issued by the Russian Consul General in Scotland and picked up by the TASS propaganda agency testifies to the Russian government’s interest in the Shtandart‘s presence in Western countries’ ports, along their coasts and in their territorial waters.
Our respective countries’ intelligence services should take note. The text from the Russian consul is full of rage. It is highly undiplomatic and extremely aggressive. It is explicitly confrontational and provocative, and it insults the citizens of the United Kingdom. As far as the Russian population is concerned, both in Russia and in Britain, it is clearly intended to promote hatred of the British, if not worse.
Finally, the Russian consular prose reveals the true mission of the Shtandart, beyond the misleading and syrupy fiction promoted by its skipper and hidden owner, Vladimir Martus.
We remain at your disposal, as well as that of the British intelligence services, to provide all or part of the documents we have collected in this case of Russian interference, which is unusual to say the least.
We would also like to emphasise that we would expect the French state apparatus to demonstrate the same professionalism and determination as its British counterpart in the Shtandart affair.
Yours sincerely,
Bernard Grua, Nantes, Brittany, France Former officer in the French Navy Spokesman
Re: Alert! Potential illegal stopover of Russian ship Shtandart (MMSI: 518999255) at Scapa Pier, Orkney Islands
7 July, 13:04 UTC
Dear Sir/Madam,
The Russian vessel Shtandart (MMSI: 518999255), which has been sailing under the flag of convenience of the Cook Islands since 6 June 2024, disconnected its AIS five hours ago (17 July 2025, 07:39 UTC, 08:39 UK time) after entering Scapa Bay in the Orkney Islands.
It is suspected that the aim is to make an illegal landing at Scapa Pier, as happened at Clogherhead in Ireland and Inverie in Scotland.
If the disconnection of the AIS and this second illegal stopover in UK waters were to be confirmed, this could result in a ban on the Shtandart in British territorial waters, as occurred in Spain on 27 July 2024.
Please do not hesitate to contact us should you require any further information.
Copies: – Right Honourable Heidi Alexander, Secretary of State for Transport – Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) – Mr Martin Greig, Aberdeen Councillor – Aberdeen HM Coastguard – Tall Ships Aberdeen
Subject: Why does the Russian ship Shtandart fall under United Kingdom sanctions?
His account does not present a fair vision of the situation. Having spent three years investigating this complex case of sanctions evasion, we are confident that we can provide you with a well-researched and evidenced demonstration of why the Shtandart is relevant to UK port sanctions.
1. What does UK legislation say about port sanctions for Russian ships?
Access to British ports is forbidden for « a ship owned, controlled, chartered or operated by persons connected with Russia » and/or for« a ship flying the Russian flag ».
On 28 February 2022, the British Secretary of State for Transport published an instruction closing UK ports for Russian ships. This instruction was quickly passed into UK legislation on 1 March 2022. What refers to Shtandart can be found here :
2. Why does the Shtandart fall within the scope of UK sanctions?
2.1. The Shtandart is a Russian shadow property.
Until the middle of the first semester of 2024, the Shtandart was owned by the Saint Petersburg–based company “Shtandart Project”1, of which Vladimir Martus owns over 60%. Martus is a Russian citizen2. He was born, grew up, and studied in Saint Petersburg. He is the skipper and de facto owner of the ship. The Shtandart is now reportedly owned by a nominee: Mariia Martus3, Vladimir Martus’s daughter. She studied in Helsinki and obtained Finnish citizenship.
Martus has registered the trademark “Shtandart”45. He intends to use it as he pleases. He is now threatening legal action against anyone who mentions the name “Shtandart”6, even for informational or reference purposes, if they contradict his narrative. He wants to censor any facts that might be made public that do not correspond to the fiction he is promoting about the Shtandart and himself for the purpose of deception. Vladimir Martus behaves as the full and sole owner of the Shtandart.
As evidenced by its website7, the Shtandart‘s commercial services are invoiced and collected by the company “Martus TV GmbH”8, which is controlled and managed by Vladimir Martus, This limited liability company, domiciled in Hamburg under German law, is often misrepresented as an association to appeal to the public’s generosity. For example, the Shtandart claimed it was short on cash for its winter 2024/2025 dry docking and maintenance. It demanded public financial support via “Martus TV GmbH”9 [9].
Regardless of whether one is interested in its de jure or de facto owner, the Shtandart is a private commercial yacht. It is neither an association vessel nor a foundation-owned vessel, as is widely and falsely claimed. Furthermore, clients boarding the ship cannot be legally considered passengers. They are booked as « trainees » to bypass SOLAS convention requirements.
2.2. The Shtandart and its registration flags
The Shtandart was registered under the Russian flag until June 6, 2024, when it shifted to the flag of the Cook Islands10. Nevertheless, despite its false allegation that it no longer has any links with Russia, the propagandist continues to fly the Russian imperial flag at the top of the mainmast. This was visible throughout the recent « Gulf of Morbihan Week 2025 » (May 26 to June 1, 2025). Moreover, Vladimir Martus continues to cultivate close ties with Russian interests.
2.3.The Shtandart, Vladimir Martus, and Russian Interests
Martus claims to be an « opponent » of the Russian regime. In fact, he is close to the Russian regime and its propaganda outlets. The following is the documented and sourced result of the collective « No Shtandart for Europe » research:
DOSSIER. The Shtandart, propaganda organs and Russian media. (Summer 2024: Vladimir Martus gave interviews to Russian propaganda outlets: RIA Novosti, TASS, RBC, Izvestia, etc. He was presented as a national hero for fighting against the French authorities, sanctions, and European institutions in hundreds of Russian press articles).
It is also important to examine the in-depth work carried out by the Ouest-France Bretagne editorial team.
If, as Vladimir Martus says, Standart is short on cash, one question arises: Who is paying for the frenzy of legal action launched by “Martus TV GmbH” and Vladimir Martus against the French authorities, the sanctions, and the European institutions?
The Shtandart is clearly “ a ship owned, controlled, chartered or operated by persons connected with Russia”. Vladimir Martus knows it perfectly.
We would also like to point out that the Shtandart’sunannounced stopover in Inverie, Loch Nevis, from 13 to 14 July 2025, was in breach of UK sanctions, customs formalities, and immigration procedures.
Had Vladimir Martus wished to seek clarification with the authorities, he would have chosen to stop at Mallaig instead, the port he passed on his way to and from Inverie, before heading south and west of the Isle of Skye. We believe that these offences could result in a ban from British territorial waters. This would be the most effective solution, as demonstrated by the Spanish authorities in a similar case on 27 July 202411.
We hope, Dear Mr Morrison, that you find this information useful. If you or your team have any further questions, we would be delighted to answer them, either in writing or over the telephone.
Yours sincerely, Bernard Grua, Nantes, Brittany, France Spokesperson
Backed by Moscow’s propaganda outlets and press, the sanctioned Russian ship Shtandart (MMSI: 518999255) is stepping up its provocations and fuelling Putin’s hybrid war aimed at destabilising Western countries. Despite being banned from UK and EU ports, the ship intends to force its way into the Aberdeen Tall Ships Races, due to take place from 19 to 22 July 2025. This threat should not be underestimated. Recent events have demonstrated the Russian vessel’s capacity to cause significant damage to maritime celebrations. So far, only Spain has managed to deal with it.
Vladimir Martus is promoting his summer 2025 commercial cruise on Facebook and his website. He claims that the Shtandart, of which he is the skipper, beneficiary and hidden owner, is registered to participate in the Tall Ships Races departing from Aberdeen. See, Shtandart.eu: ‘Shtandart Sets Course for the Tall Ships Races’. We put this to the Aberdeen Tall Ships Races and to the Aberdeen Port Authority, who replied. The Shtandart is neither registered nor allowed to participate in the event. It is not permitted to access Aberdeen port.
As has been his custom for over three years, Vladimir Martus has indeed been selling an illegal service even abusing the Aberdeen Tall Ships Races name. It’s high time this charlatan fraudster faced up to his responsibilities
On 8 July 2025, an Irish coastguard patrol boat approaches the sanctioned, unannounced and unauthorised Russian ship Shtandart in Killiney Bay, south of Dublin.
Vladimir Martus and his favourite disguises. Each outfit represents an alternative reality.
If all else fails, he dons the half eggshell of Calimero: “It’s an injustice!” When he cannot force his way in, he adopts the role of the victim, a posture he uses with great skill and success. By using fait accomplis, unannounced stopovers and “humanitarian” blackmail, Vladimir Martus is circumventing Western regulations for the benefit of himself and the Russian regime.
1.4. Chaos
This creates disorder, discord and resentment, leading to the chaos that Vladimir Putin is promoting against our societies and countries. Not to mention the other missions he could possibly be in charge of. Given Great Britain’s commitment to Ukraine, it is easy to see why this would be an appropriate country for the Russians to promote discord and to whitewash Russia.
Thomas Byrne, Irish Minister for State at the Departments of the Taoiseach, Defence and Foreign Affairs (after an unannounced and illegal overnight stopover by the Shtandart in Clogherhead, told): “I can’t say specifically in respect to that vessel, but on other occasions we’ve seen hybrid measures by Russia involving this type of activity, designed to confuse, designed to, in some cases, cause chaos, but usually designed to confuse or to upset the local system and to annoy”.
2. Maritime events and the toxicity of the Shtandart’sskipper
Vladimir Martus assures the media that the Shtandart is generally accepted in European ports, barring rare exceptions. This is not true. Since July 2024, it has only been able to dock in French ports in the departments of Morbihan (Vannes) and Charente-Maritime (La Rochelle). The relevant prefects are running a criminal risk.
2.1. Brest 2024: the Shtandart sabotaging the year’s main maritime event.
On 11 July 2024, the Shtandart attempting to force its way into the roadstead of Brest under the Pointe du Toulinguet. It was opposed by a French Navy patrol boat. Photo by Frédéric Chauveau, a ‘No Shtandart in Europe’ activist.
While moored in front of Bénodet harbour, 86 km by road, or 60 nautical miles by sea, from Brest, Vladimir Martus then instructed his crew to go ashore and appeal to the public, who were unaware of the true political dimension of the issue. Some of Martus’s envoys, particularly the French-speaking ones, were accommodated on board other ships in Brest, the captains of which had been deceived by the Russian fraudster. On 16 July 2024, Martus organised a meeting in Brest at which he slandered and attacked Ukrainians, the organisers, the authorities, institutions and law enforcement.
Almost half of the press articles did not focus on the magnificent festival itself, but rather on the despicable soap opera surrounding Vladimir Martus. Not to mention the hundreds of articles in the Russian media that stirred up hatred towards France, Ukraine and European institutions.
2.2. Vigo 2024: the Shtandart expelled from Spanish territorial waters.
Next, the Russian ship attempted to establish a presence at the Iacobus Maris Experience in Vigo. The Spanish authorities denied it access in accordance with European regulations. The Shtandart then committed a series of offences. It was banned and expelled from Spanish territorial waters on 27 July 2024, just three days after its arrival. It was a wise decision. The damage to Spain was minimal.
On 27 July 2024, the sanctioned, unannounced and unauthorised Russian ship Shtandart was expelled from Spanish territorial waters.
2.3. The Shtandart‘s mission: violate sanctions, sue EU and other authorities
The Shtandart‘s mission is obvious, and it is clear what the Russian ship is trying to achieve:
The Shtandart, Peter 1 Martus the Great, Putin, Western countries, and war.
(Barry) Ward (Irish MP) added that he has written to the Minister and said that the captain of the ship is showing “clear disregard for EU sanctions and this arrogance and perception of impunity cannot be permitted”.
2.4. Gulf of Morbihan Week 2025: the Shtandart ruining the reputation of one the largest maritime festivals
The Shtandart was neither registered nor invited to the 2025 Semaine du Golfe du Morbihan (Gulf of Morbihan Week) from 26 May to 1 June 2025. It nevertheless imposed its presence throughout the event. This was due to the negligence of the Prefect of Morbihan and the complicity of Thierry Verneuil, president of the organisation. The prospect of its arrival caused quite a stir among Breton friends of Ukraine. Read the investigation by the number two Brittany editor of Ouest-France, the most widely circulated daily newspaper in France.
Taking part in the 2025 Gulf of Morbihan Week was an opportunity to bring on board local and naïve journalists who understood nothing about the game they were being used for. They didn’t realise that they were part of a corruption scheme. Impressed by the VIP welcome they received free of charge, they published articles, photos and videos about the Shtandart, a “victim of inhumane EU sanctions”. After a day of splendid navigation among a large fleet of (1,400) traditional ships, they did everything they could to please their host and the Shtandart, which sailed under an imperial flag at the top of its main mast.
Meanwhile Russia is waging ist imperialist genocidal war against Ukraine…
Young students of Kropyvnytskiy, Ukraine, in a shelter, during an alert to russian bombing. They oppose to the violation of sanctions by the Shtandart.
Since then, the image of the Semaine du Golfe du Morbihan and its organisation, described as pro-Russians, has been irreparably damaged. This scandal is not over yet. Those locally responsible for this infamy will eventually pay the price for it.
2.5. Aberdeen Tall Ships Races 2025: Shtandart‘s explicit threats and bullying of the major Scottish, if not UK, event for the year
Written in the maudlin tone that forms part of the mystifier’s extensive repertoire, and carefully avoiding any mention of his responsibility for the situation he created, the marshmallow-like text published by Vladimir Martus on 12 July 2025 leaves no room for doubt. It sets out – for Aberdeen – the Brest scenario in full.
It constitutes a direct Russian threat against the Aberdeen Tall Ship Races, the port authorities of the great Scottish city and the British authorities in general. We can provide them with the contact details of the Brest deputy mayor who is the vice-chairman of the Brest maritime festival. They will probably be better able to understand the trap set for them by the Russian propaganda ambassador.
For journalists who would like to investigate the Shtandart affair in depth, we can put them in touch with some French colleagues who have become experts on the subject.
3. Could Aberdeen getting out of the Russian trap?
In the Martus case, it would seem that there are two options:
ban the Shtandart from Aberdeen port and Aberdeen Tall Ships Races;
allow the Shtandart to dock in Aberdeen and to attend Aberdeen Tall Ships Races.
In both situations, the Russian criminal and the government to which he is subordinate win. In our opinion, the only solution is to ban the Shtandart from British territorial waters, as Spain did. Not only was the stopover of the sanctioned Russian vessel Shtandart in Inverie, Loch Nevis, on 13 and 14 July 2025 unannounced and illegal, but it also raised customs and immigration issues. These factors could justify the ban from British territorial waters.
The unannounced and illegal stopover of the sanctioned Russian vessel Shtandart in Inverie, Loch Nevis, on 13 and 14 July 2025, could justify the ban from British territorial waters.
The sanctioned Russian vessel Shtandart(MMSI 518999255), sailing under the Cook Islands flag of convenience since 6 June 2024, is currently en route to Aberdeen where it is prohibited from entering according to the port authorities. Since 13 July 2025 at 19:15 UTC it has been calling at Inverie, Loch Nevis. It is moored at the Ferry terminal.
This is a breach of sanctions against Russia under the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) (Amendment) (No. 4) Regulations 2022 Regulation 6, Prohibition on port entry, 57A.
As a former naval officer and traditional ship enthusiast, I wish the Tall Ships Races in Aberdeen every success, as they contribute to preserving our remarkable maritime heritage. However, I am deeply concerned about the presence of a vessel that could cause considerable harm to this event. This is the Russian ship Shtandart (MMSI: 518999255), which has been banned from ports in Great Britain, Norway and the European Union due to sanctions.
Vladimir Martus is promoting his summer 2025 commercial cruise on Facebook and his website. He claims that the Shtandart, of which he is the skipper, beneficiary and hidden owner, is registered to participate in the Tall Ships Races departing from Aberdeen. See, Shtandart.eu: ‘Shtandart Sets Course for the Tall Ships Races’. We put this to the organisers, who replied. The Shtandart is neither registered nor allowed to participate in the event.
Vladimir Martus has a perfect understanding of what Westerners want to hear. His syrupy fiction is generally received with enthusiasm and without question. Yet he is a controversial figure, a fake opponent, a fake political exile and a fake friend of the Ukrainians. Martus is also close to the Russian presidential administration and its propaganda outlets (see the paragraph 6.3. below for more information). When he cannot force his way in, he adopts the role of the victim, a posture he uses with great skill and success.
This creates disorder, discord and resentment, leading to the chaos that Vladimir Putin is promoting against our societies and countries. Not to mention the other missions he could possibly be in charge of. It must be said that, since February 2022, the Shtandart has enjoyed his greatest successes to date in France, which was slammed by the European Council on 24 June 2024 for this collaboration. Given Great Britain’s commitment to Ukraine, it is easy to see why this would be an appropriate country for the Russians to promote discord and to whitewash Russia.
2. Maritime events and the toxicity of the Shtandart skipper
Martus caused considerable damage to the Brest 2024 maritime festival by campaigning alongside local pro-Russia collaborators, Russian propaganda outlets and influential pro-Russia networks within the state apparatus. This was in retaliation for the Prefect of Finistère enforcing the rule of law. Indeed, on 7 July 2024, the Prefect of Finistère published an order to implement European port sanctions in the department. This prevented the Shtandart from participating in the Brest Maritime Festival, which was set to be the largest event of its kind in Europe that year. Deeming the French prefect’s order illegal, the Russian outlaw set sail for Brest. On 11 July, he attempted to enter the roadstead of Brest by force, prompting the French Navy to dispatch a patrol boat to intercept him.
While moored away from Brest, Martus then instructed his crew to go ashore and appeal to the public, who were unaware of the true political dimension of the issue. On 16 July 2024, he organised a meeting in Brest at which he slandered and attacked Ukrainians, the organisers, the authorities, institutions and law enforcement. Almost half of the press articles focused not on the magnificent festival itself, but on the despicable soap opera surrounding Vladimir Martus. Not to mention the hundreds of articles in the Russian mediathat stirred up hatred against France, Ukraine, and European institutions.
Next, the Russian ship attempted to establish a presence at the Iacobus Maris Experience in Vigo. The Spanish authorities denied it access in accordance with European regulations. The Shtandart then committed a series of offences. It was banned and expelled from Spanish territorial waters on 27 July 2024, just three days after its arrival. It was a wise decision. The damage to Spain was minimal.
The Shtandart was neither registered nor invited to the 2025 Semaine du Golfe du Morbihan (Gulf of Morbihan Week) from 26 May to 1 June. It nevertheless imposed its presence throughout the event. This was due to the negligence of the Prefect of Morbihan and the complicity of Thierry Verneuil, president of the organisation. The prospect of its arrival caused quite a stir among Breton friends of Ukraine. I invite you to read the investigation by the number two Brittany editor of Ouest-France, the most widely circulated daily newspaper in France.
Since then, the image of the Semaine du Golfe du Morbihan and its organisation, described as pro-Russian, has been irreparably damaged.
Vladimir Martus assures the media that the Shtandart is generally accepted in European ports, barring rare exceptions. This is not true. Since July 2024, it has only been able to dock in French ports in the departments of Morbihan (Vannes) and Charente-Maritime (La Rochelle). The relevant prefects are running a criminal risk.
3. The crazy summer 2025 tour
Russian ship « Shtandart » July 2025 tour, United Kingdom and Ireland
Falmouth was on the Shtandart’s 2025 summer programme. The Shtandart did not go. To this day, we don’t know if this was because we had warned the Harbour Master in advance.
Based on our observations and our interactions with the Harbour Master of Saint Mary’s, we believe that we played a role in preventing an unscheduled stopover in the Isles of Scilly on 4 July 2025. The same probably applies to Kilmore Quay in Ireland on 5 July.
However, it was from Kilmore Quay onwards that matters became more serious. The Shtandart disconnected its AIS (Automatic Identification System) in order to conceal its position and destination.
It was forced to reconnect it at Killiney Bay, south of Greater Dublin, at the request of the Irish maritime authorities. You really need to read “The Journal” ’s article.
The presence of the vessel has caused some controversy and Fine Gael TD (MP) Barry Ward, who is from Dún Laoghaire, has called on the Minister Timmy Dooley, the Minister for State for the Marine, to intervene and have the ship removed.
(Barry) Ward added that he has written to the Minister and said that the captain of the ship is showing“clear disregard for EU sanctions and this arrogance and perception of impunity cannot be permitted”.
(Spokesperson for the Department of Transport:) “The Department is aware of the movements of the vessel known as Shtandart. It should be noted that the vessel has not entered a pre-arrival notice for entry into an Irish port which is required under EU regulations”.
After leaving Killiney Bay, the Shtandart made an unauthorised stopover in Clogherhead, on the night of 8-9 July 2025, which was not even announced. “The Journal” reported on this.
Thomas Byrne, who is Minister for State at the Departments of the Taoiseach, Defence and Foreign Affairs, confirmed that the ship did not receive permissions to berth in Ireland.
He said that the restrictions on the vessels are under EU measures and that the vessel has not applied for any derogations to permit it access to Ireland.
“I can’t say specifically in respect to that vessel, but on other occasions we’ve seen hybrid measures by Russia involving this type of activity, designed to confuse, designed to, in some cases, cause chaos, but usually designed to confuse or to upset the local system and to annoy,” he said (The Minister, Thomas Byrne).
Russian Vladimir Martus’s contempt and casual attitude towards the institutions, laws and authorities of the countries that welcome him is increasingly blatant. In this, he is following Russia’s “diplomatic” lead. Eyes are finally beginning to open to the sulphurous and toxic dimension of the Martus outlaw. He could cause significant damage to the city of Aberdeen and the Tall Ships Races. The prudent thing to do is to protect them from him.
4. What measures can be taken to protect the Aberdeen festival from the Shtandart and Vladimir Martus?
As explained in paragraphs 5. and 6. below, the British port ban applies to the Shtandart. However the Russian ship can still anchor nearby and pollute the event by sailing as part of the flotilla or being granted a parade. This occurred in Sète in 2022 and 2024 thanks to the ukrainophobic Michel Balique‘s maneuvering. He is the most influential and manipulative lobbyist for the Shtandart. He chairs ‘Les Amis des Grands Voiliers – Sail Training Association France’, a member of ‘Sail Training International’, the organiser of the Tall Ships Races. Balique’s accomplice, Patrice Bernier, is an administrator of the association. As in Brest (see paragraph 2), Martus can cause the same problems in Aberdeen.
Ideally, an eye should be kept out for any infringements committed by the Shtandart, such as those it has committed in Spain and Ireland, so that it can be banned from British territorial waters.
If that is not possible, the Shtandart should be banned from Aberdeenshire’s territorial waters on the grounds of ‘risk of public disorder’.
If none of the above can be implemented, the Shtandart must be authorised to anchor far enough away from the event « for safety reasons ». However, there would still be a risk of Vladimir Martus disembarking with part of his team to carry out his toxic campaign on land as he did in Brest.
It should also be noted that Vladimir Martus knowingly travels to forbidden destinations while keeping open the possibility of using ‘humanitarian’ blackmail to force his way into ports by invoking the need for essential repairs, fuel, water, or food. To date, Martus has never been held accountable for deliberately creating situations that he describes as ‘emergencies‘. This method is proving its worth, especially if there are children on board.
5. What does the UK legislation say about port sanctions for Russian ships?
Access to the British ports is forbidden for « a ship owned, controlled, chartered or operated by persons connected with Russia » and/or for « a ship flying the Russian flag ».
On 28 February 2022, the British Secretary of State for Transport published an instruction closing UK ports for Russian ships. This instruction was quickly passed into UK legislation on 1 March 2022. What refers to Shtandart can be found here :
6. Why does the Shtandart fall within the scope of UK sanctions?
6.1. The Shtandart is a Russian shadow property.
Until the middle of the first semester of 2024, the Shtandart was owned by the Saint Petersburg–based company “Shtandart Project”, of which Vladimir Martus owns over 60%. Martus is a Russian citizen. He was born, grew up, and studied in Saint Petersburg. He is the skipper and de facto owner of the ship. The Shtandart is now reportedly owned by a nominee: Mariia Martus, Vladimir Martus’s daughter. She studied in Helsinki and obtained a Finnish citizenship.
Martus has registered the trademark “Shtandart”. He intends to use it as he pleases. He is now threatening legal action against anyone who mentions the name “Shtandart”, even for informational or reference purposes. He wants to censor any facts that might be made public that do not correspond to the fiction he is promoting about the Shtandart and himself for the purpose of deception.
As evidenced by its website, the Shtandart‘s commercial services are invoiced and collected by the company “Martus TV GmbH”, which is controlled and managed by Vladimir Martus. This limited liability company, domiciled in Hamburg under German law, is often misrepresented as an association to appeal to the public’s generosity. Shtandart‘s website demands public financial support via “Martus TV GmbH”.
Regardless of whether one is interested in its de jure or de facto owner, the Shtandart is a private commercial yacht. It is neither an association vessel nor a foundation-owned vessel, as is widely and falsely claimed. Furthermore, clients boarding the ship cannot be legally considered passengers. They are booked as “ trainees” to bypass SOLAS convention requirements.
6.2. The Shtandart and its registration flags, a “maskirovka”
The Shtandart was registered under the Russian flag until June 6, 2024, when it shifted to the flag of the Cook Islands. According to Article 3ea §2 of Regulation (EU) No 833/2014, changing the country of registration does not exempt the ship from EU sanctions. Nevertheless, despite its false allegation that it no longer has any links with Russia, the propagandist continues to fly the Russian imperial flag at the top of the mainmast. This was visible throughout the recent « Gulf of Morbihan Week 2025 » . Moreover, Vladimir Martus continues to cultivate close ties with Russian interests.
Russian imperial flag : « Gulf of Morbihan Week 2025 » (May 26 to June 1, 2025)
6.3. The Shtandart, Vladimir Martus, and Russian interests
Martus claims to be an “opponent” of the Russian regime. In fact, he is close to the Russian regime and its propaganda outlets. The following is the documented and sourced result of the “No Shtandart for Europe” collective research:
DOSSIER: The Shtandart, propaganda organs and Russian media. (Summer 2024: Vladimir Martus gave interviews to Russian propaganda outlets: RIA Novosti, TASS, RBC, Izvestia, etc. He was presented as a national hero for fighting against the French authorities, sanctions, and European institutions in hundreds of Russian press articles).
It is also important to examine this paper by the Ouest-FranceBretagne editorial team.
In Russia,the “Kombat-Tour” agency is promoting the Shtandart‘s illegal commercial activities on the coasts of Western Europe: Открыт набор в Комбат-тур!
If, as Vladimir Martus says,the Shtandart is short on cash, one question arises: Who is paying for the frenzy of legal action launched by “Martus TV GmbH” and Vladimir Martus against the French authorities, the sanctions, and the European institutions?
The Shtandart is clearly “a ship owned, controlled, chartered or operated by persons connected with Russia”. Its actual flag is Russian.This is typical of ships belonging to the SHADOW FLEET of Russian vessels circumventing the sanctions against Russia. This evidence is reinforced by the fact that the Shtandart disables its AIS.
I would be delighted to answer any further questions, either in writing or over the telephone.
Bernard Grua, Nantes, Brittany, France Spokesperson
On 8 July 2025, several observers questioned why the Shtandart (MMSI 518999255), a Russian-sanctioned vessel, was sailing northwards along the coast while fleeing from Killiney, near Dublin. Both Marine Traffic and Vessel Finder show that it stopped overnight in Clogherhead.
To: Dublin Coastguard Dublin Harbour Master Ukrainian embassy in Ireland Ukrainian Action in Ireland
Re: The Russian sanctioned vessel Shtandart (MSI 518999255) docked at Clogherhead, Ireland, on the night of 8-9 July 2025.
9 July 2025
Dear Sir/Madam
On 8 july 2025, a number of observers were wondering why the Russian vessel Shtandart (MMSI 518999255) was sailing northwards along the coast after leaving Killiney. The explanation comes from Marine Traffic and Vessel Finder. – Please note that all times in the screenshots below are in UTC. Local time is UTC+1.
In summary, Marine Traffic indicates a stopover in Clogherhead that would have lasted 2 hrs 53 mins.
2025.07.09 – Shtandart’s stopover at Clogherhead, Marine Traffic
In reality, the Russian vessel stayed longer. It arrived shortly before midnight UTC.
2025.07.08 – 23:41 UTC – Shtandart Clogherhead, Marine Traffic
The Shtandart left on 9 June at 05:08 UTC.
2025.07.09 – 05:08 UTC – Shtandart departs Clogherhead, Marine Traffic
On leaving, it took a North-Easterly course.
2025.07.09 – Shtandart’s North-Easterly course after Clogherhead, Vessel Finder
The times may seem contradictory. But when you look at the sequence on Marine Finder, you can see that the ship was partly quay alongside and partly at anchor.
It remains to be seen whether this stopover, which is prohibited by the European Regulation, was authorised by the Irish authorities on humanitarian grounds with the aim of safeguarding human life as provided for in paragraph 4 of Article 3ea of EU Regulation number 833/2014.
4. Paragraphs 1 and 1a (port prohibition) shall not apply in the case of a vessel in need of assistance seeking a place of refuge, of an emergency port call for reasons of maritime safety, or for saving life at sea.
If this is a stopover intended to save human life, the culprit is Vladimir Martus, the ship’s skipper and hidden owner. It is he who is deliberately putting the crew of the Shtandart at risk by heading for destinations where he is forbidden to dock, in order to use « humanitarian » blackmail.
Another hypothesis is that the Shtandart docked at night without prior authorisation. There have been numerous examples of this behaviour over the past three years. This could also explain why the Shtandart turned off its AIS before being forced to activate it again.
Attention: HM Coastguard Irish Coastguard HM Harbour Masters and Port Authorities Irish Harbour Masters and Port Authorities Ceclant (France’s Commander in Chief for the Atlantic)
Copies: Ukrainian Embassy in Ireland Ukrainian Embassy in Great Britain Ukrainian Embassy in France Ukrinform Plast London Union des Ukrainiens de France
Re: Alert! On 6 July 2025, the Russian sailing ship Shtandart (MMSI: 518999255) disabled its AIS transmitter in the Irish Sea in order to conceal its position.
7 July 2025
Dear Sir/Madam,
The positions of the shadow Russian sailing ship Shtandart (MMSI: 518999255), flying the flag of the Cook Islands (attachments) since 6 July 2024, are no longer visible on Marine Traffic and Vessel Finder.
It appears that the Russian skipper and hidden owner of the vessel, Vladimir Martus, has disconnected the AIS (Automatic Identification System) to conceal his route, anchorages and any stopovers. The ship’s last known position was N52°50’39.49 W005°45’35.11 at 10:30 UTC on 6 July 2025.
This letter in English
Cette lettre en français
The "Shtandart" In Europe 