The Norwegian fuel company Haltbakk Bunkers announced its decision to cease fuel supplies to the U.S. Navy stationed in Norway, following disputes between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. However, the company later removed the statement, and Norway's Defense Minister Tore Sandvik assured the U.S. of continued cooperation.
"The immense credit goes to the President of Ukraine for his restraint and calmness, despite the U.S. staging a treacherous television show. It made us feel nauseous. In short, we decided to immediately halt fuel supplies to American troops in Norway and to their ships visiting Norwegian ports," the statement published on Haltbakk Bunkers' Facebook page on Friday read.
"No fuel for the Americans! We urge all Norwegians and Europeans to follow our example. Glory to Ukraine!" the company added.
The message was later deleted, with the last update dated February 18.
Following this, Sandvik issued a statement confirming ongoing support for the U.S. Navy based in Norway.
"We have seen concerning reports regarding support for U.S. Navy ships in Norway. This does not align with the policy of the Norwegian government. I can confirm that all requested support is being provided. The U.S. and Norway maintain a close and robust defense cooperation. American forces will continue to receive the necessary supplies and support from Norway," Sandvik's statement, published by the Norwegian Ministry of Defense on social media platform X, stated late Sunday night.
As reported, Zelensky and the Ukrainian delegation left the White House without any comments to the press after a dispute occurred in the Oval Office during interactions with journalists involving Trump and U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance.
Following the meeting in the Oval Office, Trump stated that his Ukrainian counterpart was unprepared for peace involving the U.S. European leaders supported Zelensky, stating that Ukraine is fighting for the security of all Europe against Russian aggression. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre also expressed support for Ukraine in its struggle for a just peace, suggesting that one should not draw definitive conclusions from what transpired in Washington during the visit of the Ukrainian delegation.
The Norwegian Parliament has agreed to allocate a total of 35 billion Norwegian kroner ($3.12 billion) for military and civilian support to Ukraine in 2025.
Sources:
https://www.facebook.com/haltbakkbunkers/posts/pfbid0X1g58EWL3htWkiLiBeGTCc3f6ec8V1ws1sx8MmRt7Kc3QLVm23Xse4Sk7LzMqTvil
https://x.com/Forsvarsdep