Confirmation by the Montenegrin authorities of the application of EU restrictive measures to the TS…
The Montenegrin authorities have confirmed their commitment to applying port-related restrictive measures to the TS Shtandart as part of…
Confirmation by the Montenegrin authorities of the application of EU restrictive measures to the TS Shtandart, 12/06/2026
The Montenegrin authorities have confirmed their commitment to applying port-related restrictive measures to the TS Shtandart as part of Montenegro’s alignment with European Union sanctions against Russia. This confirmation is particularly significant in the context of Montenegro’s accession process to the European Union and its progressive alignment with the Union’s Common Foreign and Security Policy.
This information has been brought to the attention of Ms Marta Kos, European Commissioner for Enlargement, as well as the relevant departments of the European Commission. The letter reproduced below sets out the elements that led to this communication and the issues arising from it.
For the attention of: Cabinet of Ms Marta Kos, European Commissioner for Enlargement (DG ENEST) DG FISMA, European Commission
Copies: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro Ministry of European Affairs of Montenegro Ministry of Maritime Affairs of Montenegro Administration for Maritime Safety and Port Management of Montenegro
Subject: Confirmation by the Montenegrin authorities of the application of EU restrictive measures to the TS Shtandart
12 June 2026
Dear Commissioner Kos, Dear Ms Ryan,
Further to my letter of 26 May 2026, I am pleased to inform you that, according to the media outlet Vijesti, the Montenegrin authorities have confirmed their commitment to applying EU restrictive measures to the vessel TS Shtandart (MMSI 518999255). This position is detailed in the following two articles:
- Vijesti, 4 june 2026 — *“Refugee” from Putin or part of Russia’s “shadow fleet”? Russian frigate could get Montenegro into trouble with the EU*
- Vijesti, 9 june2026 — *Was the antivirus delaying the capture of the Russian ship? How a replica of a frigate, which was on the sanctions list, sailed into Montenegro *.
It is true that the TS Shtandart, commanded by Vladimir Martus, spent two weeks in several Montenegrin ports during May 2026. However, the information published by Vijesti indicates that this situation resulted primarily from incomplete information available to the port authorities concerned.
The use of a Cook Islands flag in place of the Russian flag, the transfer of ownership of the vessel to Vladimir Martus’s daughter, who holds both Russian and Finnish citizenship, and the involvement of a Germany-based management company controlled by Vladimir Martus may all have contributed to some confusion regarding the vessel’s actual status.
A comparable situation had already occurred in Denmark in July 2025. Although the TS Shtandart had been explicitly denied access to the port of Esbjerg, it nevertheless remained for several days in the port of Hvide Sande.
- tvSyd, 7 August 2025 — *Suspected Russian spy ship spent several days in Danish port: Captain Vladimir kept visit secret*
This clarification of Montenegro’s position is particularly significant in the context of Montenegro’s accession process to the European Union and its progressive alignment with the Union’s Common Foreign and Security Policy.
We would also recall that the TS Shtandart had planned to be present in Montenegro between 30 June and 3 August 2026. This summer programme is no longer available online (copies enclosed). Furthermore, no recent AIS (Automatic Identification System) data are currently available for this vessel. Under these circumstances, continued vigilance remains necessary.
It cannot be excluded that a request for a derogation may be submitted under Article 3ea(4) of Council Regulation (EU) No 833/2014, notably on grounds relating to the safety of persons or the provisioning of the vessel. This possibility deserves careful consideration given that the TS Shtandart conducts voyages with paying passengers, including minors, and that arguments relating to safety or provisioning have previously been invoked in order to gain access to European ports.
In this regard, the order issued by the French Maritime Prefects on 5 March 2026 clearly states:
“Any situation of difficulty or distress affecting the TS Shtandart, its crew or its passengers that results from a foreseeable situation and therefore constitutes a manifestly deliberate breach by the master of the TS Shtandart of his obligations regarding prudence or safety shall give rise to legal proceedings in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations.”
Enclosed with this letter are:
Yours sincerely,
Bernard Grua Spokesperson for the collective No Shtandart in Europe Email: noshtandartineurope@gmail.com Website: https://bit.ly/No-Shtandart Blog: https://medium.com/@noshtandartineurope_31950 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/noshtandartineurope
Attachments
TS Shtandart itinerary indicating a stay in Montenegro, 9 June 2026
TS Shtandart itinerary with summer 2026 details removed, 12 June 2026
Acknowledgement receipt
Original e-mail
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