Russia Demands Norway Respect International Law After Vessel Seizure
Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused Norway of violating international law and the Svalbard Treaty after Norwegian authorities detained the Russian vessel Professor Moltsjanov, state news agency Tass reported. Moscow claims the seizure blocks vital supply lines to the archipelago. The state news agency Tass reported that the ship served as the sole direct transport link for Russian personnel and essential supplies to Svalbard after direct flights between Russia and the islands ceased. Moscow argues the arrest breaches the Svalbard Treaty, which ensures citizens from the treaty countries access to the archipelago. Sysselmesteren detained the Professor Moltsjanov in Barentsburg on September 2, following a ruling by Nord-Troms and Senja District Court, VG reported. The action stems from a compensation claim filed by the Ukrainian energy company Naftogaz against Russia over asset seizures during the 2014 annexation of Crimea. Naftogaz valued the claim at roughly 57 milliarder kroner, including interest and legal costs, according to VG. Sysselmesteren officers had to interrupt their initial attempt to execute the arrest after individuals threatened “major consequences,” VG reported, citing Naftogaz lawyer Herman Steen. Russia’s ambassador to Norway previously characterized the detention as a politically motivated violation of international law. Meanwhile, Norway’s ambassador in Moscow informed Russian authorities that the seizure stems from a judicial court ruling rather than an executive government intervention, VG reported. The underlying compensation stems from a 2023 ruling in The Hague ordering Russia to pay 5 milliarder dollar to Naftogaz for assets expropriated on Crimea.