OSLO, Norway (AP) \u2014 Norwegian authorities seized a Russian vessel in the remote Arctic archipelago of Svalbard at the request of Ukraine, drawing a condemnation Thursday from Russian President Vladimir Putin, who compared it to \u201cstate terrorism.\u201d <\/p>\n
A court in Norway ordered the seizure as part of efforts by Ukraine\u2019s state energy company Naftogaz to recover a $4.22 billion arbitration award. It stems from Russia\u2019s 2014 illegal annexation of Crimea and its seizure of Ukrainian energy assets, including gas fields and pipelines.<\/p>\n
After Moscow\u2019s refusal to pay the 2023 award, Naftogaz has been petitioning national courts seeking orders to seize Russian commercial assets.<\/p>\n
The vessel, Professor Molchanov, is used for commercial expedition cruises, including to Svalbard, which sits more than 800 kilometers (500 miles) north of the Norwegian mainland. It\u2019s known for its stunning snow-covered mountains, fjords and glaciers. <\/p>\n
\u201cThis is another important step towards restoring justice for Russia\u2019s unlawful seizure of Naftogaz assets in Crimea,\u201d Naftogaz CEO Sergii Fedorenko said. \u201cRussia cannot evade responsibility simply by refusing to comply with an international arbitral award. We will continue to pursue Russian assets around the world.\u201d <\/p>\n