Russia Protests Norway Over Arrest of Research Ship
Norway's ambassador to Moscow, Heidi Oluksen, was summoned to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs following the arrest in Norway of the Russian vessel 'Professor Molchanov'.
Consensus
- The Russian research vessel 'Professor Molchanov' was arrested on September 2 in Barentsburg, Spitsbergen.
- The arrest was carried out by Norwegian authorities at the request of Ukraine's Naftogaz.
- The vessel belongs to the Northern Department of Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring of Roshydromet.
- The ship was on a scheduled voyage from Murmansk to Barentsburg to deliver personnel from the 'Arktikugol' trust, scientists, and supplies for Russian settlements in Barentsburg and Pyramida.
- Russia has formally protested the arrest and called it a violation of international law.
- Russia claims that Norwegian actions, including restrictions on Russian presence on Spitsbergen, constitute a blockade and breach the 1920 Spitsbergen Treaty.
- Russian diplomatic missions in Norway and on Spitsbergen are in contact with Russian organizations and Norwegian authorities.
- The crew and passengers are receiving consular and legal assistance.
- Russia intends to challenge the arrest through legal means, including appeals.
Points of divergence
- President Vladimir Putin labeled the arrest 'an act of state terrorism'. — kommersant
- Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova called the arrest 'an act of piracy and lawlessness by the West'. — vedomosti
- Governor of Murmansk Oblast Andrey Chibis called the situation 'nonsensical' and urged not to 'wake the Russian bear'. — vedomosti
- Minister for Development of the Far East and Arctic Alexey Chekunkov stated that Russia will challenge the detention and called it a violation of international law. — vm
- The Russian ambassador to Norway said lawyers will appeal the Norwegian court's decision on the arrest. — tg_tass_agency
Coverage (11 sources)
- Norway's Ambassador summoned to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs after the arrest of the vessel 'Petr Molchanov' — Коммерсантъ
- Moscow demands Norway comply with Russia's rights on Svalbard — Вести
- "Under blockade": Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused Norway of discriminating against Russians — Вести
- Foreign Ministry summoned Norwegian ambassador in Moscow over arrest of vessel 'Professor Molchanov' — Ведомости
- Moscow lodged protest in Oslo over arrest of Russian vessel in Svalbard — Вести
- Norwegian Ambassador in Moscow Declares Protest Over Arrest of Vessel 'Professor Molchanov' — Интерфакс
- Norway's Ambassador was summoned to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs over the arrest of the vessel 'Professor Molchanov' — Вечерняя Москва
- On September 3, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Norway's Ambassador in Moscow, H. Olufsen. — МИД России
- Lawyers and the Russian Embassy prepare a protest in connection with Norway's arrest of a Russian vessel — Вести
- Arrest of 'Professor Molchanov' in Norway to be appealed — Вести
- Russian Ambassador to Norway told TASS that lawyers will appeal the Norwegian court's decision on the arrest of the vessel 'Professor Molchanov' — ТАСС (Telegram)
Key entities
- Russia
- Norway
- Moscow
- MID
- Professor Molchanov
- Svalbard
- Hadi Olofsson
- Barentsburg
- Oslo
- TASS
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Ukraine
- Naftogaz
- Professor Molchanov
- Alexei Chekunkov
More on Hadi Olofsson
More on Professor Molchanov
- Norway arrests Russian research vessel 'Professor Molchanov'
- Russia demands release of arrested ship 'Professor Molchanov'
- Russia Protests Norway Over Arrest of 'Professor Molchanov'