Key facts
- Norway assisted 69 Russian citizens in returning to Russia after their ship was seized.
- The vessel, Professor Molchanov, was arrested in Svalbard due to a legal dispute with a Ukrainian company.
- The Ukrainian company Naftogaz is seeking to enforce a $4.22 billion compensation award.
- Russia had accused Norway of "piracy" and summoned the Norwegian ambassador.
- The stranded individuals returned to Russia via the Norwegian town of Kirkenes.
Norway stated on Tuesday that it facilitated the return of 69 Russian citizens to their home country from the Arctic island of Svalbard, following the seizure of the cruise ship they arrived on. The vessel, Professor Molchanov, was arrested last week by a Norwegian court as part of a legal dispute initiated by Ukrainian energy company Naftogaz, which is seeking to enforce a $4.22 billion compensation award related to assets seized by Moscow when Russia annexed Crimea in 2014. The seizure stranded the passengers and crew, prompting Moscow to accuse Norway of "piracy" and summon the Norwegian ambassador. The Russian citizens returned to Russia on Tuesday via the Norwegian town of Kirkenes. Russia has indicated plans to appeal the court's ruling.