Russia demands release of arrested ship 'Professor Molchanov'

The Russian Embassy in Norway considers the arrest of the vessel 'Professor Molchanov' a politically motivated violation of international law.

Consensus

The Russian ship 'Professor Molchanov' was arrested by Norway.
The arrest was carried out by the district court of Nord-Troms and Senja.
The arrest was based on a claim by Ukraine's Naftogaz for $4.22 billion related to assets lost in Crimea.
Russia does not recognize the jurisdiction of the Hague arbitration that issued the ruling.
Russia considers the arrest politically motivated and a violation of international law.
Russia is seeking the ship's release and is providing consular assistance to the crew and passengers.
Russian diplomatic missions in Norway and on Svalbard are in contact with local authorities.
The ship was detained while in Barentsburg on Svalbard.
The ship's port of registry is Arkhangelsk.
The ship has been conducting regular passenger and cargo voyages from Murmansk to Barentsburg since June 2025.

The Governor of Svalbard ordered the arrest of the ship following a court ruling. — interfax
The ship is operated by FGBU 'Arktikugol' and is used by Roshydromet. — tg_MID_Russia
The ship's crew is safe, according to the Russian Minister for the Development of the Far East and Arctic. — fontanka
The ship is described as a scientific research vessel. — vesti
The ship was detained on September 2, 2026. — vm