Russian consulate slams 'cancel culture' after tall ship refused entry to Aberdeen harbour

The Russian Consulate of Edinburgh has blamed “Russophobia” and “cancel culture” after a tall ship was denied entry into the Port of Aberdeen due to it being captained by a Russian-born man.

The TS Shtandart said it had been excluded from the list of participants in the 2025 Tall Ships Races, which are arriving in the North East, in an open letter to the city’s port authorities.

The Russian (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2022 were introduced following the invasion of Ukraine.

Under the legislation, ships owned, controlled, chartered, or operated by designated persons, those connected with Russia, or those flying the Russian flag or registered in Russia, are prevented from entering UK Ports.

It is understood that the TS Shtandart was registered as a Russian vessel until June 2024 and that the captain, Vladimir Martus, was born in an Eastern European country.

However, the letter issued states that the ship now sails under the Cook Islands flag, and she has not visited Russia in 15 years.

The letter also adds that Mr Martus left Russia more than ten years ago and is now a “long-term resident and taxpayer in Germany”.

Now, the Russian Consulate of Edinburgh has issued a statement of its own. They state that the vessel does not belong to the Russian Federation; however, it is a replica of the Russian frigate built in 1703 by the former Tsar, Peter the Great.

The diplomatic office has blamed “an atmosphere of Russophobia and the notorious “cancel culture” in all parts of the UK, including Scotland” for the decision.

The Consulate statement read: “We consider this situation as another consequence of the destructive campaign launched by the British authorities aimed at creating an atmosphere of Russophobia and the notorious “cancel culture” in all parts of the UK, including Scotland.

“The illegitimacy of restrictive measures that contradict international law and common sense is aggravated by the zeal in their implementation taken to the point of absurdity.

“As a result, everything that even remotely resembles Russia is being blocked. In this case, the safety and well-being of seafarers may have also been jeopardised.”

Sail Training International has confirmed the Shtandart was due to take part in Race 4 of The Tall Ships Races between Kristiansand, Norway, and Esbjerg, Denmark.

However, the vessel was denied entry at both locations in line with current legislation. This resulted in her participation in The Tall Ships Races 2025 being cancelled.

They also claim that Mr Martus was “fully aware of the situation” and that Aberdeen was never a confirmed stop for the Shtandart.

The statement read: “Sail Training International appreciate the difficult position the vessel and her captain find themselves in and we recognise the captain’s and his crew’s commitment to promoting youth development and to fostering international understanding.

“Sail Training International also fully respects the rulings of the higher national and international authorities and is committed to supporting the local organising teams in each of the ports in upholding existing rulings and legislation.”