Norway's head of MoD assures US Navy of support amid Haltbakk company's boycott
Tore Sandvik, head of Norway's Ministry of Defense (photo: x.com/Forsvarsdep)
Norwegian Defense Minister Tore Sandvik stated that the country continues to provide the US military fleet with full support and supplies. The official's remarks came in response to the refusal of the Norwegian company Haltbakk Bunkers to refuel American warships, according to the Norwegian Ministry of Defense's Twitter (X) account.
In the Norwegian Ministry of Defense, during the night before March 2, a statement by Sandvik regarding reports about naval support was released.
"We have seen reports raising concerns about support for US Navy vessels in Norway," the head of the Ministry of Defense said.
He noted that this is not in line with the Norwegian government’s policy.
"I can confirm that all requested support has been provided. The US and Norway maintain a close and strong defense cooperation. American forces will continue to receive the supply and support they require from Norway," Sandvik's statement read.
Haltbakk Bunkers boycotts the US Navy
The corresponding statement from the Norwegian Ministry of Defense appeared following news of the decision by the management of the welding company Haltbakk Bunkers to cease refueling US warships in response to the scandalous meeting on February 28 between the American and Ukrainian presidents at the White House. This move outraged the Norwegian enterprise.
In a social media post, the company wrote, among other things, about the enormous merit of the President of Ukraine for restraining himself and maintaining calm despite the US staging a provocation.
Haltbakk’s CEO, Gunnar Gran, stated that his group is ceasing all sales of energy resources to the US armed forces and their ships, and the company also called on other Norwegian and European suppliers to join the boycott. He also noted that he runs a private company that chooses its own clients.
The head of Haltbakk Bunkers described the decision to boycott simply as moral support for the Ukrainians, and stated that we have a moral compass.
Earlier, on March 1, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre stated that the government would soon approach parliament with a request to increase financial support for Ukraine.
