Russian Ship Shtandart Banned from Brest Maritime Festival
The Russian ship Shtandart, an exact replica of a frigate of Tsar Peter the Great, has been banned from entering the port of Brest to participate in the Brest Maritime Festival. The decision, announced by the Finistère prefecture, is in line with European sanctions against Russia, which were extended on June 24 to include 'historic replica ships.'
Captain Vladimir Martus of the Shtandart expressed his intention to challenge the ban, despite the potential for administrative and criminal sanctions, including customs seizure. The ship, which had to change its Russian flag to that of the Cook Islands earlier this year, left the port of La Rochelle on Thursday evening and is currently sailing off the coast of Finistère.
Controversy and Legal Challenges
Martus has stated that he considers the prefect's order to be 'not made legally' and has sought legal advice to challenge the decree. The Finistère prefecture, however, has not been notified of any legal referral against the order. The ship is monitored by French authorities, including the Atlantic maritime prefecture, and is only allowed technical stopovers outside Brest harbor.
The ban has sparked controversy among maritime enthusiasts and has led to protests. Around thirty opponents of the Shtandart, holding Ukrainian flags, gathered in front of Brest town hall. Demonstrators held signs reading 'Russia go home' and 'Shtandart: Russian spy.' The leader of the 'No Shtandart In Europe' collective, Bernard Grua, emphasized the importance of the ban as a precedent for applying European regulations in all French ports.
Despite the controversy, Martus insists that the mission of the Shtandart is to 'develop friendship between the people of all nations' and to 'put an end to hatred.' He has also voiced support for the 'heroic struggle' of Ukrainians against what he calls an 'aggressor,' referring to Vladimir Putin as a 'dictator.'
- The Shtandart's crew has expressed deep regret over the decision, emphasizing the ship's mission to foster international friendship and understanding. Martus has stated that the ship is currently at sea without a port of arrival, making the situation a 'question of life and death' for the crew.
- The Brest Maritime Festival, one of the largest maritime gatherings in the world, is set to take place from July 12 to 17. The exclusion of the Shtandart has been a significant point of contention, with many maritime enthusiasts and other ship captains expressing support for Martus and his crew.
- Brest town hall has announced its intention to comply with state directives, with deputy mayor Fortuné Pellicano stating that they will 'apply it without discussion.' The situation remains tense as the Shtandart continues to navigate the waters off the coast of Finistère.
