It’s only one ship, but a historic one and a Russian one. And that is already enough for European politicians to say no to humanity. Let’s support the international crew to get help by signing for them!
Text: Anna Mykolaivna Ilina
On June 24, 2024, the European Council released a new package of amendments to the sanctions against the Russian government. Now the sanctions specifically target »replicas of historical ships«, which, in practice, narrows down to only one ship – the frigate »Shtandart«. As a result, »Shtandart« immediately received rejections for entering several ports, in particular with the decree of the Prefect of Finistère (France).
The goal of the sanctions is to weaken Russian economy and to prevent Putin’s regime from financing military invasion into Ukraine. From this point of view, targeting »Shtandart« is absolutely meaningless, as this ship does not bring any money to the Russian government. For the last 15 years, it has been based in Europe, after an unlawful attempt of the Russian authorities to take the ship away. It has never been back to Russia, since.
»Shtandart« is, and has always been, a non-commercial project, powered by volunteers and dedicated to education, culture and youth development. Lately it helps the French government by providing training under sail for the students of French maritime academies.
Ethics-wise, »Shtandart« is a bright example of friendship and pieceful collaboration between multiple nations of the world. Not only Russians, but as well Ukrainians, French, Belgians, Dutch and many others are a part of the crew and largely contribute to this project on a daily basis. There are Ukrainian refugees who found shelter and home aboard this ship.
Last but not the least, frigate »Shtandart« has undisputable cultural value. She is a precise replica of a 1703 wooden tall ship that was built following Dutch and British nautic tradition. Such ships are very few in the modern world.
Rejections to enter the harbors put the ship in a desperate position. Without being able to shelter, dock, refuel and feed its crew, the ship practically cannot exist.
We hereby ask the European Council to help us preserve this precious piece of the world’s cultural heritage, to make »Shtandart« an exemption from sanctions and grant her free access to European ports. This will allow her to keep bringing value to European society as a school ship and museum afloat, and will let our citizens see and get in touch with the craft of old-time European masters of shipbuilding. We need to act together and now, as »Shtandart«, like any ship, requires admission to ports to be able to continue her existence.
SUPPORT MY COURSE