Arctic Ship Dispute Leaves Russians Stranded in Svalbard

Credit: Sergei Malgavko/TASS/picture alliance

Norway will provide assistance to Russian citizens left in a difficult situation in Svalbard after the seizure of the Professor Molchanov. The vessel was detained in the Arctic archipelago following a Norwegian court order linked to a legal claim by Ukrainian energy company Naftogaz, Reuters reports.

The ship was carrying passengers and supplies to Svalbard when it was stopped in Barentsburg, one of the Russian settlements on the islands. Moscow has called the seizure “piracy” and said it plans to challenge the decision.

Norway’s Foreign Ministry said it was taking steps to protect Russian citizens while meeting its international obligations. The case is linked to Naftogaz’s efforts to enforce a $4.22 billion compensation award over assets taken by Russia after its annexation of Crimea in 2014.

Global News

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