Alerte : Possible entrée imminente dans les eaux territoriales et dans les ports tunisiens du navire contrevenant russe “TS Shtandart” 

Le navire russe TS Shtandart annonce une escale à Bizerte ce vendredi 3 octobre à 19 h, heure locale. Il a déconnecté son AIS depuis trois jours afin de dissimuler sa position et sa destination, à l’instar des navires de la flotte fantôme russe dont il partage de nombreuses caractéristiques.

À l’attention de : Autorités maritimes tunisiennes  

Objet : Alerte – Possible entrée imminente dans les eaux territoriales et dans les ports tunisiens du navire contrevenant russe TS Shtandart 

Le 3 octobre 2025.

Chère Madame, Cher Monsieur,

Je me permets de vous signaler respectueusement la possible arrivée, ce jour, dans vos ports, du navire russe TS Shtandart, MMSI 518999255, qui navigue sous le pavillon de complaisance des îles Cook depuis le 6 juin 2024.

Il annonce une escale à Bizerte ce vendredi 3 octobre à 19 h, heure locale. Il a déconnecté son AIS depuis trois jours afin de dissimuler sa position et sa destination, à l’instar des navires de la flotte fantôme russe dont il partage de nombreuses caractéristiques.

TS Shtandart , Vessel Finder, 03/10/2025, 12:50 UTC
TS Shtandart , Vessel Finder, 03/10/2025, 12:50 UTC

Ce navire est interdit dans les eaux territoriales espagnoles depuis le 27 juillet 2024, puis dans les eaux territoriales portugaises depuis septembre 2025. Voici le rapport des autorités maritimes portugaises à son sujet : https://www.amn.pt/Media/Paginas/DetalheNoticia.aspx?nid=6483. Vous trouverez ici une version traduite en français.

De plus, le TS Shtandart est interdit dans tous les ports de l’UE, du Royaume-Uni et de la Norvège.

Je souhaite porter à votre connaissance le fait que le TS Shtandart pénètre dans les eaux territoriales de différents pays sans demander d’autorisation. Il a également pour habitude de faire des escales non annoncées et non autorisées par les autorités maritimes des pays concernés. On peut récemment citer Clogherhead (Irlande), Inverie (Royaume-Uni) et Hvide Sande (Danemark). Il y a peu de temps, il a tenté de débarquer clandestinement au Portugal. Ce qui a valu l’arrestation des individus concernés, comme vous pouvez le lire dans le rapport ci-dessus.

Je me tiens à votre disposition pour tout complément d’information et vous prie, Chère madame, Cher monsieur, d’agréer l’expression de mes salutations distinguées.

Bernard Grua, Nantes, France 
Ancien officier de Marine (Lieutenant de vaisseau)
Porte-parole du collectif lanceur d’alerte

Logo No Shtandart In Europe

No Shtandart In Europe
Email: noshtandartineurope@gmail.com
Website: https://bit.ly/No-Shtandart
Facebook: groups/noshtandartineurope
WhatsApp

L’Autorité maritime nationale surveille le voilier TS SHTANDART le long de la côte portugai
L’Autorité maritime nationale surveille le voilier TS SHTANDART le long de la côte portugaise

Keep reading

24 septembre 2025

The case of the sailing ship Shtandart: defending maritime heritage against misinterpretation and harassment, 20/09/2025

The website shtandart.eu has just published an article entitled “The Case of the Sailing Ship Shtandart: Defending Maritime Heritage Against Misinterpretation and Harassment.” This text devotes many pages to portraying the Russian frigate Shtandart as an innocent cultural project, while turning its attacks personally against me, Bernard Grua, spokesperson of the collective No Shtandart in Europe.

Let’s be clear: this article is 100% misleading. It mixes selective information, denial of sanctions, and unfounded accusations of “defamation” and “harassment.” But beyond the grand words, it brings nothing new and ignores the most basic facts established by European institutions and national courts.

Rather than answering every false claim, I prefer to make this piece public. Readers will then be able to see for themselves how far the promoters of the Shtandart go in order to escape the reality of sanctions and to discredit those who simply recall the law.

Original article from Vladimir Martus

The case of the sailing ship Shtandart: defending maritime heritage against misinterpretation and harassment - Page 1
The case of the sailing ship Shtandart: defending maritime heritage against misinterpretation and harassment - Page 2
The case of the sailing ship Shtandart: defending maritime heritage against misinterpretation and harassment - Page 3

Conclusion, by Bernard Grua

In the end, this article on shtandart.eu says more about the communication strategy of the Shtandart’s promoters than about reality.

By attacking me personally, it tries to distract from the essential: European sanctions apply to this vessel, and multiple states have already enforced them.

This so-called “open letter” is yet another example of Vladimir Martus’s strategy of victimisation inversion: pretending to be persecuted while systematically ignoring facts and court decisions. It is also consistent with his use of SLAPP procedures and judicial harassment against me, designed to silence criticism and intimidate citizens who simply recall the law.

As spokesperson of No Shtandart in Europe, I simply recall documented facts:

No article, however lengthy or indignant, can erase these official decisions.
The public deserves clarity, not propaganda.

Bernard Grua
Spokesperson, No Shtandart in Europe

Logo No Shtandart In Europe

No Shtandart In Europe
Email: noshtandartineurope@gmail.com
Website: https://bit.ly/No-Shtandart
Facebook: groups/noshtandartineurope
WhatsApp

Attachments

Portugal

SIC Noticia, 25/09/2025:
TS Shtandart that is barred from entering European ports attempted to change its crew in Portugal. The Lagos Maritime Police say that the crew members intercepted (two French nationals, one Russian national based in Latvia and one Russian national) gave contradictory accounts.

Judicial harassment

“Shtandart”: the judicial harassment strategy orchestrated by Thierry Clerc and the Russian Vladimir Martus

Since 2023, Thierry Clerc and Vladimir Martus have launched, against, Bernard Grua, the spokesperson of the collective No Shtandart in Europe, a series of legal measures: formal notices, police report, criminal complaint, interventions with French authorities, and public communication campaigns. All these initiatives, none of which succeeded in court, fit into a pattern that the…

Keep reading

Russian foreign ministry

Bernard Grua: Russia’s Consulate General slams banning frigate Shtandart from entering Scottish harbor

TASS, 18/07/2025 – Russia’s Consulate General slams banning frigate Shtandart from entering Scottish harbor

Ireland

Bernard Grua: On 8 July 2025, an Irish coastguard patrol boat approaches the sanctioned, unannounced and unauthorised Russian ship Shtandart in Killiney Bay, south of Dublin.
The Shtandart and the Irish coastguard, Killiney Bay, 8 July 2025. Photo: Fletcher Thompson // No Shtandart in Europe

Ille-et-Vilaine

On 23 August 2024, the Shtandart attempts an unannounced stopover in Cancale and is expelled by the police on the instructions of the Prefect of Ille-et-Vilaine.

Bernard Grua: Surprise on Friday morning, 23 August 2024, in Cancale (Ille-et-Vilaine), where the Russian ship Shtandart emerged from the mist and approached the Fenêtre slipway. ©Marie Loquet
Surprise on Friday morning, 23 August 2024, in Cancale (Ille-et-Vilaine), where the Russian ship Shtandart emerged from the mist and approached the Fenêtre slipway. ©Marie Loquet

Spain

Bernard Grua: The Russian ship Shtandart expelled from Spanish territorial waters on 27 July 2024.
The Russian ship Shtandart expelled from Spanish territorial waters on 27 July 2024.

Russian propaganda outlets

Interview with Vladimir Martus by Russian media outlet RBC. One of many interviews given to Russian propaganda outlets during the summer of 2024.

French military naval base

Bernard Grua : The Shtandart under the Toulinguet headland attempting to force its way into Brest harbour, 11/07/2024.
On 11 July 2024, a maritime police patrol boat denied the Shtandart access to Brest harbour. Photo: Frédéric Chauveau de Villoutrey // No Shtandart in Europe

On the same topic

Acknowledgements for cross-border cooperation on the Iberian Peninsula – Тhe Russian vessel « Shtandart » fails in its port sanctions fraud

Thanks to strong cross-border cooperation between Spain, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and France, the sanctioned Russian vessel Shtandart has been denied all planned port calls across Southern Europe. This coordinated effort has successfully blocked the vessel’s attempts to circumvent port sanctions, demonstrating the effectiveness of joint action in enforcing European and UK regulation.

To the attention of :

  • Autoridades marítimas españolas
  • Autoridades marítimas portuguesas
  • UK Department for Transport
  • HM Government of Gibraltar 
  • Gibraltar Maritime Authority 
  • Faro de Vigo
  • Ukrainian World Congress
  • Association Con Ucrania
  • Associação dos ucranianos em Portugal
  • Union des Ukrainiens de France

26 September 2025

Letter below in: 🇪🇸 🇵🇹 🇬🇧 🇫🇷 🇺🇦

🇪🇸 Agradecimientos por la cooperación transfronteriza en la península ibérica – El buque ruso Shtandart fracasa en su fraude a las sanciones portuarias

Estimada Señora, Estimado Señor:

En la mañana del 26 de septiembre de 2025, el buque ruso sancionado Shtandart, MMSI 518999255, llegó al puerto de Tánger, Marruecos [1]. Desde su salida de la llamada “Kaliningrado Atlántica”, el 17 de septiembre de 2025, se le negó la entrada en todas las escalas previstas: en la costa norte de España, en Portugal, en Andalucía y en Gibraltar.

Este resultado constituye un éxito indiscutible en la aplicación del régimen de sanciones europeo. Ha sido posible gracias a la vigilancia y al compromiso de numerosas personas e instituciones, cuyos nombres, en su mayoría, permanecerán confidenciales. A todas ellas les expresamos nuestro más profundo agradecimiento.

Deseamos, sin embargo, rendir un reconocimiento especial a varios actores cuyo papel ha sido determinante:

  • Lara Graña, redactora jefa de Faro de Vigo, gran profesional y especialista reconocida en asuntos marítimos, cuyos artículos [2] [3] contribuyeron de manera decisiva a alertar tanto en España como en Portugal.
  • Pavlo Sadokha, presidente de la Unión de Ucranianos en Portugal y vicepresidente del Ukrainian World Congress [4] [5] para Europa del Sur, quien trabajó incansablemente contra el estafador ruso, movilizando a su comunidad y a sus contactos en Portugal así como en otros países europeos.
  • La Autoridade Marítima Nacional (AMN) de Portugal, cuya estricta vigilancia [6] [7] y eficaz despliegue de recursos garantizaron el cumplimiento efectivo de las sanciones europeas.

En cuanto a Gibraltar, desconocemos qué autoridades intervinieron directamente en la anulación de la escala prevista. No obstante, es evidente que la cuestión fue tratada con la máxima seriedad.

Finalmente, queremos destacar la vigilancia ejercida por las capitanías y autoridades portuarias de Galicia, Portugal y Andalucía.

A todas aquellas personas e instituciones cuyo compromiso ha hecho posible este resultado, les transmitimos la expresión de nuestra más sincera gratitud.

Atentamente,

Colectivo No Shtandart in Europe

🇵🇹 Agradecimentos pela cooperação transfronteiriça na Península Ibérica – O navio russo Shtandart falha na sua fraude às sanções portuárias

Exma. Senhora, Exmo. Senhor

Na manhã de 26 de setembro de 2025, o navio russo sancionado Shtandart, MMSI 518999255, chegou ao porto de Tânger, Marrocos [1]. Desde a sua partida de “Kaliningrado Atlântico”, em 17 de setembro de 2025, foi-lhe recusada a entrada em todas as escalas previstas: na costa norte de Espanha, em Portugal, na Andaluzia e em Gibraltar.

Este resultado representa um sucesso indiscutível na aplicação do regime de sanções europeu. Tornou-se possível graças à vigilância e ao empenho de numerosas pessoas e instituições, cujos nomes permanecerão, em grande parte, confidenciais. A todas elas dirigimos a nossa mais profunda gratidão.

Importa, contudo, prestar homenagem a alguns intervenientes cujo papel foi determinante:

  • Lara Graña, diretora do Faro de Vigo, grande profissional e especialista reconhecida em assuntos marítimos, cujos artigos [2] [3] contribuíram de forma decisiva para alertar tanto em Espanha como em Portugal.
  • Pavlo Sadokha, presidente da União dos Ucranianos em Portugal e vice-presidente do Ukrainian World Congress [4] [5] para a Europa do Sul, que trabalhou incansavelmente contra o fraudador russo, mobilizando a sua comunidade e os seus contactos em Portugal, bem como noutros países europeus.
  • A Autoridade Marítima Nacional (AMN) de Portugal, cuja vigilância rigorosa [6] [7] e eficaz mobilização de meios asseguraram o cumprimento efetivo das sanções europeias.

No que respeita a Gibraltar, não sabemos exatamente quais autoridades estiveram envolvidas na anulação da escala prevista. No entanto, é evidente que a questão foi tratada com a máxima seriedade.

Finalmente, queremos salientar a vigilância exercida pelas capitanias e pelas autoridades portuárias da Galiza, de Portugal e da Andaluzia.

A todas as pessoas e instituições cujo empenho tornou possível este resultado, expressamos a nossa mais sincera gratidão.

Com os melhores cumprimentos,

Coletivo No Shtandart in Europe

🇬🇧 Acknowledgements for cross-border cooperation on the Iberian Peninsula – Тhe Russian vessel Shtandart fails in its port sanctions fraud

Dear Madam, Dear Sir,

This morning, 26 September 2025, the Russian sanctioned vessel Shtandart, MMSI 518999255, arrived at the port of Tangier, Morocco [1]. Since its departure from “Atlantic Kaliningrad” on 17 September 2025, it has been denied entry to all intended stopovers on the northern coast of Spain, in Portugal, in Andalusia, and in Gibraltar.

This outcome represents a significant success in the enforcement of the UK and European sanctions regime. It has been made possible thanks to the vigilance and commitment of many individuals and institutions, most of whose names shall remain confidential. To all of them, we extend our deepest gratitude.

Several key contributors deserve special recognition:

  • Lara Graña, editor-in-chief of Faro de Vigo, an outstanding professional and a recognized maritime affairs specialist, whose articles [2] [3] played a crucial role in raising awareness both in Spain and in Portugal.
  • Pavlo Sadokha, President of the Union of Ukrainians in Portugal and Vice President of the Ukrainian World Congress [4] [5] for Southern Europe, who worked tirelessly against the Russian fraudster, mobilizing his community and contacts in Portugal as well as in other countries.
  • The Autoridade Marítima Nacional (AMN) of Portugal, whose constant surveillance [6] [7] and effective deployment of resources ensured full compliance with European sanctions.

With regard to Gibraltar, we do not know exactly which authorities contributed to cancelling the Shtandart’s planned call. However, it is clear that the matter was taken with the utmost seriousness.

Finally, we acknowledge the vigilance of the harbour masters and port authorities of Galicia, Portugal, and Andalusia.

To all those whose commitment made this result possible, we express our most sincere gratitude.

Yours faithfully,

Collective No Shtandart in Europe

🇫🇷 Remerciements pour la coopération transfrontalière en la péninsule ibérique – Le navire russe Shtandart échoue dans sa fraude aux sanctions portuaires

Chère Madame, Cher Monsieur,

Le navire russe sous sanctions Shtandart, MMSI 518999255, est arrivé ce matin, 26 septembre 2025, dans le port de Tanger, Maroc [1]. Depuis son départ de la « Kaliningrad Atlantique » le 17 septembre 2025, il s’est vu refuser toute escale sur la côte nord de l’Espagne, au Portugal, en Andalousie ainsi qu’à Gibraltar.

Ce résultat constitue un succès indéniable dans l’application du règlement européen. Il a été rendu possible grâce à la vigilance et à l’engagement de nombreuses personnes et institutions, dont les noms resteront pour la plupart confidentiels. Qu’elles soient ici assurées de notre profonde gratitude.

Il convient toutefois de rendre hommage à plusieurs acteurs dont le rôle a été déterminant :

  • Lara Graña, rédactrice en chef du Faro de Vigo, grande professionnelle et spécialiste reconnue des affaires maritimes, dont les articles [2] [3] ont puissamment contribué à alerter l’opinion publique et les autorités en Espagne comme au Portugal.
  • Pavlo Sadokha, président de l’Union des Ukrainiens du Portugal et vice-président du Ukrainian World Congress [4] [5] pour l’Europe du Sud, qui s’est mobilisé sans relâche contre le fraudeur russe, fédérant sa communauté et ses contacts tant au Portugal que dans d’autres pays européens.
  • L’Autoridade Marítima Nacional (AMN) du Portugal, dont la surveillance rigoureuse [6] [7] et les moyens déployés ont permis d’assurer le respect effectif des sanctions européennes.

S’agissant de Gibraltar, nous ignorons à ce jour quelles autorités ont pris la décision finale, mais il ne fait aucun doute que la question y a été traitée avec le plus grand sérieux.

Enfin, nous tenons à saluer la vigilance exercée par les capitaineries et les autorités portuaires de Galice, du Portugal et d’Andalousie.

À toutes celles et à tous ceux qui, par leur engagement, ont contribué à ce résultat, nous adressons l’expression de notre reconnaissance la plus sincère.

Veuillez agréer, Chère Madame, Cher Monsieur, l’assurance de notre considération distinguée.

Collectif No Shtandart in Europe

🇺🇦 Подяка за транскордонну співпрацю на Іберійському півострові. – Російське судно “Штандарт” зазнає поразки у своїй шахрайській спробі обійти портові санкції

Шановні пані та панове,

Російське судно «Штандарт», MMSI 518999255,  яке перебуває під санкціями, прибуло сьогодні вранці, 26 вересня 2025 року, до порту Танжер, Марокко [1]. З моменту відплиття з «Калінінград Атлантик» 17 вересня 2025 року йому було відмовлено у будь-якій зупинці на північному узбережжі Іспанії, в Португалії, Андалусії та Гібралтарі.

Цей результат є беззаперечним успіхом у застосуванні європейських санкцій і став можливим завдяки пильності та відданості багатьох осіб і установ, більшість із яких залишаться конфіденційними. Ми щиро дякуємо всім їм.

Особливо варто відзначити ключових учасників:

  • Лара Грана, головна редакторка Faro de Vigo, видатний професіонал і визнаний спеціаліст із морських питань, статті якої [2] [3] суттєво сприяли інформуванню громадськості та влади в Іспанії та Португалії.
  • Павло Садоха, президент Союзу українців у Португалії та віце-президент Ukrainian World Congress [4] [5] для Південної Європи, який невтомно працював проти російського шахрая, мобілізуючи свою спільноту та контакти в Португалії й інших країнах.
  • Національна морська адміністрація Португалії (AMN), чия постійна пильність [6] [7] та ефективне використання ресурсів забезпечили дотримання європейських санкцій.

Що стосується Гібралтару, наразі невідомо, які саме органи прийняли рішення про скасування запланованого заходу судна, проте очевидно, що питання було розглянуто з максимальною серйозністю.

Також слід відзначити пильність капітаній і портових адміністрацій Галісії, Португалії та Андалусії.

Усім, хто завдяки своїм зусиллям сприяв досягненню цього результату, висловлюємо нашу щиру вдячність.

З повагою,

Колектив No Shtandart in Europe 

Notes

  1. Shtandart, Tangier, 26/09/2025
    Shtandart, Tangier, 26/09/2025
  2. Faro de Vigo, 20/09/2025 – La fragata rusa «Shtandart», vetada por Bruselas, irrumpe en aguas gallegas
  3. Faro de Vigo, 22/09/2025 – Una patrullera lusa escolta a la fragata rusa «Shtandart» para evitar su escala en Leixões
  4. Ukrainian World Congress, 22/09/2025 – Ukrainians urged to be vigilant as Russian frigate heads toward Portugal
  5. Ukrainian World Congress, 22/09/2025 – Російський фрегат “Штандарт” прямує до Португалії: українців закликають бути пильними
  6. AMN, 24/09/2025 – Autoridade Marítima Nacional monitoriza veleiro TS SHTANDART ao longo da costa portuguesa
  7. Portugal Resident, 25/09/2025 – Suspected Russian ‘ghost fleet’ ship sparks police action off Algarve coast

Bernard Grua
Nantes, Brittany, France
Spokesperson of the collective

Logo No Shtandart In Europe

No Shtandart In Europe
Email: noshtandartineurope@gmail.com
Website: https://bit.ly/No-Shtandart
Facebook: groups/noshtandartineurope
WhatsApp

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.

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.
https://www.vesselfinder.com/vessels/details/518999255
  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

Logo No Shtandart In Europe

No Shtandart In Europe
Email: noshtandartineurope@gmail.com
Website: https://bit.ly/No-Shtandart
Facebook: groups/noshtandartineurope
WhatsApp

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 »

  Texto original en español
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

Logo No Shtandart In Europe

No Shtandart In Europe
Email: noshtandartineurope@gmail.com
Website: https://bit.ly/No-Shtandart
Facebook: groups/noshtandartineurope
WhatsApp

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.

Addendum

On 25 September 2025, the Shtandart entered the territorial waters of Andalusia.

On 25 September 2025, the Shtandart entered the territorial waters of Andalusia.

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 »

 English version
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

Logo No Shtandart In Europe

No Shtandart In Europe
Email: noshtandartineurope@gmail.com
Website: https://bit.ly/No-Shtandart
Facebook: groups/noshtandartineurope
WhatsApp

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

Texto original en español
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

Logo No Shtandart In Europe

No Shtandart In Europe
Email: noshtandartineurope@gmail.com
Website: https://bit.ly/No-Shtandart
Facebook: groups/noshtandartineurope
WhatsApp

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

English version
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

Logo No Shtandart In Europe

No Shtandart In Europe
Email: noshtandartineurope@gmail.com
Website: https://bit.ly/No-Shtandart
Facebook: groups/noshtandartineurope
WhatsApp

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.

É igualmente importante saber que, no dia 22 de agosto de 2025, o Tribunal de Justiça da União Europeia confirmou que o Shtandart se enquadra desde 16 de abril de 2022 no artigo 3° — EA do Regulamento (UE) n.º 833/2014.

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.

Importantly, on 22 August 2025, the Court of Justice of the European Union confirmed that Shtandart falls under Article 3ea of Regulation (EU) No 833/2014 since 16 April 2022 —meaning it is firmly subject to EU port-entry sanctions and has no legal recourse to challenge measures taken against it.

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

Logo No Shtandart In Europe

No Shtandart In Europe
Email: noshtandartineurope@gmail.com
Website: https://bit.ly/No-Shtandart
Facebook: groups/noshtandartineurope
WhatsApp

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