Norway seizes Russian vessel in Svalbard following Ukrainian court order

Norwegian authorities have detained the Russian-flagged vessel Professor Molchanov following a court order obtained by Ukraine’s state gas company Naftogaz. The order, issued by a Norwegian court, mandates the seizure as collateral for unpaid damages that Naftogaz claims Russia has refused to settle. The ship, which was operating in international waters near Norway’s coast, was taken into custody on the basis of the legal claim presented by Naftogaz.

The Russian government has lodged a formal protest, arguing that the seizure violates international maritime norms and constitutes an unjustified punitive measure. Norwegian officials, however, affirmed that the action complies with domestic law and the court’s ruling, emphasizing that the detention is a civil enforcement step rather than a political sanction. The case underscores ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine over energy‑related disputes and may set a precedent for similar asset seizures linked to cross‑border commercial claims.