Norway to keep supplying US Navy with fuel despite company boycott call

Norway Reaffirms Support for U.S. Navy Amid Tensions Over Ukraine

Norway has made it clear that it will continue to supply fuel to U.S. Navy ships, despite a private marine fuel supplier’s threat to boycott the U.S. over deteriorating U.S.-Ukraine relations. The situation arose after a heated exchange in the Oval Office between President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and U.S. Vice President JD Vance. Norway’s Defense Minister, Tore Sandvik, emphasized that the Norwegian government’s policy is to support U.S. Navy vessels, contradicting any suggestions of a potential cutoff. “We have seen reports raising concerns about support for U.S. Navy vessels in Norway. This is not in line with the Norwegian government’s policy,” Sandvik stated. His comments were made after a Norwegian fuel supplier, Haltbakk Bunkers, threatened to stop supplying fuel to the U.S. military in response to the tensions.

A Private Company’s Symbolic Boycott

The threat from Haltbakk Bunkers, a privately held Norwegian fuel supplier, emerged on social media, where the company expressed its displeasure over the strained relations between the U.S. and Ukraine. In a now-deleted Facebook post, the company criticized the U.S. for what it described as a “backstabbing TV show” involving Trump and Zelenskyy. “Huge credit to the president of Ukraine restraining himself and for keeping calm even though USA put on a backstabbing TV show. It made us sick… No Fuel to Americans!,” the post read. CEO Gunnar Gran confirmed to the Norwegian newspaper VG that the company had decided to halt fuel supplies to the U.S. military, though he admitted the move would have only a “symbolic” impact, as Haltbakk Bunkers does not have a fixed contract with the U.S. government. Despite the limited practical effect, the company’s stance reflects broader concerns among some in Norway about the escalating tensions.

A Heated Exchange in the Oval Office

The tensions that prompted Haltbakk Bunkers’ threat stem from a heated exchange in the Oval Office involving Trump, Zelenskyy, and Vice President JD Vance. During the meeting, Vance accused Zelenskyy of being “disrespectful” to Trump, criticizing the Ukrainian leader for airing disagreements in front of the media. “Mr. President, with respect, I think it’s disrespectful for you to come into the Oval Office to try to litigate this in front of the American media,” Vance said. He also criticized Ukraine’s handling of the war, accusing Zelenskyy of forcing conscripts to the front lines due to manpower shortages. “You should be thanking the president for bringing it, to bring it into this country,” Vance added. Trump himself joined the fray after Zelenskyy suggested that the U.S. would feel the effects of the war “in the future.” Trump rebuffed the comment, saying, “You don’t know that. Don’t tell us what we’re going to feel. We’re trying to solve a problem. Don’t tell us what we’re going to feel.”

Implications for U.S.-Ukraine Relations

The exchange in the Oval Office has raised concerns about the state of U.S.-Ukraine relations, particularly as the war in Ukraine continues to escalate. While the U.S. has been a key supporter of Ukraine, providing significant military and financial aid, the public spat has led to questions about whether the U.S. commitment to Ukraine’s war effort is wavering. Zelenskyy himself later expressed regret over the incident, calling it “bad for both sides.” However, the incident has also highlighted the tensions within the U.S. administration over how to handle relations with Ukraine. While Trump has been a vocal supporter of Ukraine, his administration’s approach has sometimes been criticized as unpredictable, leading to confusion and unease among allies.

Broader Implications for U.S.-European Relations

The situation has also sparked concerns about the broader state of U.S.-European relations, particularly as Trump’s administration has often been at odds with European allies on a range of issues, from trade to defense spending. Norway, a NATO ally, has been quick to reassure the U.S. of its commitment to supporting American forces, but the incident has underscored the potential for smaller actors, such as private companies, to influence international relations. The fact that a private fuel supplier felt compelled to take a public stance highlights the emotional and political sensitivities surrounding the conflict in Ukraine and the U.S.’s role in it. As the war in Ukraine continues, the interplay between government policies and private sector actions will likely remain a critical factor in shaping international relations.

Conclusion: Norway’s Commitment to U.S. Military Support

Despite the symbolic boycott threatened by Haltbakk Bunkers, Norway has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the U.S. military. Defense Minister Tore Sandvik emphasized that Norway’s policy is to continue supplying fuel and other necessary support to U.S. Navy ships. “American forces will continue to receive the supply and support they require from Norway,” Sandvik said. This stance reflects Norway’s role as a reliable NATO ally and its support for U.S. military operations. While the incident has highlighted the complexities of international relations and the potential for private actors to influence geopolitical dynamics, Norway’s decision underscores the enduring strength of the U.S.-Norway alliance. As the situation in Ukraine continues to evolve, Norway’s commitment to supporting the U.S. military serves as a reminder of the importance of solidarity among allies in uncertain times.