Key facts
- Norway will assist Russian citizens stranded in Svalbard after their transport ship was seized.
- The Professor Molchanov cruise ship was seized by court order on behalf of Ukrainian energy company Naftogaz.
- Naftogaz seeks to enforce a $4.22 billion compensation award for assets seized by Russia in Crimea.
- Russia has accused Norway of piracy following the ship's seizure.
- Norway stated it is complying with international obligations and ensuring necessary goods reach Russian settlements.
Norway will provide necessary assistance to Russian citizens stranded on the Arctic Svalbard islands following the seizure of the Professor Molchanov cruise ship, which was transporting passengers and supplies. A Norwegian court ordered the ship's seizure on behalf of Ukrainian energy company Naftogaz, which is seeking to enforce a $4.22 billion compensation award related to assets Moscow seized when it annexed Crimea in 2014.
The seizure has stranded the ship's passengers and crew, prompting Moscow to accuse Norway of "piracy." Norway's foreign ministry stated that Norwegian authorities are doing what they can to protect the Russian citizens and are complying with international obligations. The ministry also noted that Russian companies are regularly granted sanctions relief to ensure the import of essential goods to the islands.
The Professor Molchanov, a 71-meter vessel, is used for scientific expeditions and commercial cruises and can carry 32 crew and 52 passengers. Russia has indicated plans to appeal the court's ruling.