Ukrainians urged to be vigilant as Russian frigate heads toward Portugal

The Ukrainian community in Portugal is urging locals to be keenly watchful for the potential arrival of Russia’s Shtandart (Standard) frigate at Portuguese ports.

“Soon, the Russian frigate Standard, currently under EU sanctions, may attempt to enter one or more ports in Portugal,” said Pavlo Sadokha, Vice President of the Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) for Southern Europe and President of the Union of Ukrainians in Portugal (UUP).

The frigate is subject to sanctions amid the EU having banned Russian vessels from entering member-state ports as part of its 14th sanctions package in June 2024. These restrictions also apply to “historical replica ships.”

“The 34-meter, three-masted wooden Standard frigate is reportedly an exact replica of the 1703 frigate that was built by Czar Peter the Great and is now being used by Russia to promote its imperial ambitions,” Sadokha said.

The vessel is expected to stop at the port city of Cascais, about 30 kilometers from Lisbon.

“Currently, the Russian frigate Shtandart, MMSI 518999255, is leaving French waters en route to Tangier, with an expected arrival on Sept.27,” Sadokha added.

He warned that the Russian ship, flying the flag of the Cook Islands, might attempt to enter other Portuguese ports illegally.

“This has already happened this summer in other countries. The vessel docked illegally in Clogherhead (Ireland), Inver (Scotland), and Hvide Sande (Denmark), and an attempt to dock in Scapa on the Orkney Islands was blocked by the British Coast Guard,” Sadokha said.

If necessary, the frigate could resort to “humanitarian” pressure to force ports to accept it, he said.

“We urge Ukrainians living in Portuguese port cities to stay vigilant and report any sightings of the frigate to the Association so we can organize protest actions,” Sadokha said.