Norway will continue supplying fuel to US Navy ships, despite a private Norwegian company’s decision to halt supplies over recent tensions between the US and Ukraine. Norwegian Defence Minister Tore Sandvik confirmed on Sunday that American forces would receive the necessary logistical support from Norway.
“We have seen reports raising concerns about support for US Navy vessels in Norway. This is not in line with the Norwegian government’s policy,” Sandvik stated. “American forces will continue to receive the supply and support they require from Norway.”
Private supplier protests US treatment of Ukraine
The controversy began when Haltbakk Bunkers, a privately held Norwegian fuel supplier, announced it would stop providing fuel to the US military. The move was reportedly in protest of how Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy was treated during his recent visit to the White House.
In a now-deleted Facebook post, the company wrote, “Huge credit to the president of Ukraine for restraining himself and keeping calm even though the US put on a backstabbing TV show. It made us sick… No Fuel to Americans!”
Impact on US Navy operations
Haltbakk Bunkers CEO Gunnar Gran confirmed the decision to Norwegian newspaper VG, stating that the move was largely symbolic, as the company did not have a fixed contract with the U.S. military.
While the private company’s stance gained attention, Norway’s government has made it clear that official military cooperation with the US remains unchanged.
(With Reuters inputs)
