Key facts
- Norwegian authorities seized the Russian vessel Professor Molchanov in Svalbard on Sept. 2, 2026.
- The seizure was requested by Ukraine's national oil and gas company, Naftogaz.
- A 2023 Hague tribunal ordered Russia to pay Naftogaz $4.22 billion plus interest for asset seizures in Crimea.
- The Professor Molchanov is a Russian state ship used for commercial expedition cruises.
- The ship will be prevented from leaving port by Svalbard Governor Lars Fause.
Norwegian authorities seized the Russian vessel Professor Molchanov in Svalbard on September 2, 2026, acting on a request from Ukraine's national oil and gas company, Naftogaz. This action is part of a broader international effort to compel Russia to pay compensation for its seizure of Naftogaz assets during the occupation of Crimea. A Hague tribunal had previously ordered Russia to pay Naftogaz $4.22 billion plus interest in 2023.
With Russia refusing to comply with the ruling, Ukraine and its allies are pursuing the seizure of Russian state assets. A decision by the District Court of Nord-Trondelag and Sor-Trondelag on August 31, 2026, authorized the seizure of the Professor Molchanov, a ship used for commercial expedition cruises around Svalbard. Svalbard Governor Lars Fause has been instructed to prevent the vessel from leaving port until further court orders.
Acting Naftogaz CEO Serhii Fedorenko stated that this seizure is a significant step toward justice and that Ukraine will continue to pursue Russian assets globally to ensure compensation is paid. The seizure follows a series of similar actions by European countries, including Sweden, the United Kingdom, and France, which have intercepted Russian-linked vessels. Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously threatened retaliation against European countries for seizing Russian commercial vessels.