Vladimir Martus, captain of the Shtandart: “I was certain that justice would prevail and that the Shtandart would participate in the Brest festival, as it has been doing since 2000. For me, personally, participation in the Brest-2024 festival is important and symbolic : The very first time I participated was in 1992, on the schooner St. Peter, which I built with my friends even before we built the Shtandart sailboat. The very positive aspect is that there is now no reason for some people to spread false information and lies about those who have supported the Shtandart for all these years.”
Do you fear possible demonstrations or protests during the Maritime Festivals?
“No, I have never been concerned about people expressing their opinions openly. There have been several protests in the past, where people expressed their views on the terrible events in Ukraine. My position has always been to speak, to communicate, to explain that it is only together that we can overcome the dictatorship. I explained that at our level, the level of ordinary people, we should not develop hatred, we should cooperate and help each other. I am very happy to do what we can do with the Shtandart, to help people – both from Ukraine and Russia – who have been forced to leave their countries, in search of a safe place. The Shtandart ship is a training ship, we will be delighted to offer the ship to groups of young people, to help them recover from their psychological trauma, to feel the friendship of the people around them.”
Do you understand the criticism surrounding the arrival of your boat?
“I am both Ukrainian and Russian by birth. I understand and share the emotions of authentic Ukrainians facing this horrible situation. Personally, I do not support and have not supported the decisions of the President of Russia, at one time I called for the impeachment of the President. In my opinion, this would have been a good decision for everyone. I think that at present a productive path would be to unite the efforts of all those who suffer from the dictatorship in Russia. What we are trying to do on the Shtandart is to bring together people from different countries and different nations. Knowledge of the culture of other countries, understanding the traditions of peoples is a good way to unite good people. This is the best way to fight against the evil one.”
