Norway has arrested the Russian vessel Professor Molchanov at Port Barentsburg in Svalbard as part of a global effort to enforce an arbitration award obtained by Naftogaz and other group companies against Russia over the illegal expropriation of their assets in Crimea in 2014.

As reported by Naftogaz, the arrest was imposed based on a court decision dated August 31, 2026, to ensure the fulfillment of Russia’s outstanding obligations under the arbitration award, which amount to about $4.22 billion in principal, as well as interest and costs .

“This is another important step towards restoring justice for Russia’s illegal seizure of Naftogaz assets in Crimea. Russia cannot escape responsibility by simply refusing to comply with an international arbitration award. We will continue to search for Russian assets around the world until the compensation awarded to Naftogaz and other Naftogaz group companies is paid,” said Serhiy Fedorenko, Acting Chairman of the Board of Naftogaz.

This arbitral award was previously recognized as enforceable in Norway.

The ship “Professor Molchanov” is owned by Russia and is used for commercial expedition cruises, including to Svalbard.

According to the court’s decision, the ship cannot leave its location, and issues regarding the passengers on board are resolved by the Norwegian authorities . Джерело: https://censor.net/n4021483

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