Norwegian fuel supplier Haltbakk Bunkers has ceased providing fuel to U.S. military vessels in Norway, following a contentious meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Norwey Haltbakk Bunkers supply fuel to the US Military
The company, which supplied approximately 3 million liters of fuel to the U.S. military in 2024, expressed strong disapproval of the U.S. administration’s conduct during the meeting.
The decision to halt fuel supplies underscores the company’s support for Ukraine amid ongoing tensions with Russia. Haltbakk Bunkers’ owner, Gunnar Gran, emphasized their moral stance, stating that not a liter will be delivered until President Trump is out of office. Gran also called on other European fuel suppliers to implement similar bans, potentially disrupting U.S. military operations and highlighting growing tensions between Washington and European leaders.
The meeting between Presidents Trump and Zelensky, intended to finalize a minerals agreement, devolved into a heated exchange. President Trump accused Zelensky of jeopardizing global security by resisting a peace treaty with Russia and displaying a lack of gratitude toward U.S. support. The talks ended abruptly without the expected agreement being signed.
In response to the incident, European leaders have rallied behind President Zelensky. French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized the need for steadfast support for Ukraine against Russian aggression. The confrontation has raised concerns about the reliability of U.S. support for Ukraine and the potential implications for future military aid.
President Zelensky, reflecting on the altercation, expressed uncertainty about any wrongdoing and hoped to repair relations with President Trump. He reiterated Ukraine’s desire for peace and the intention to negotiate an end to the ongoing conflict, which was the purpose of his White House visit.
The Norwegian government’s response to Haltbakk Bunkers’ decision remains measured. Norway’s Prime Minister, Jonas Gahr Store, stated that it’s too early to conclude the meeting alone and emphasized the need to understand the consequences of the style, actions, and words used by the U.S. administration.
Haltbakk Bunkers specializes in supplying fuel products, lubricants, aquaculture disinfectants, and oil spill dispersants. While its direct engagements with U.S. forces in Norway have been limited, the U.S. Marine Corps relies on commercial partners for logistical support during exercises and crisis responses in the region.
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This development highlights the growing international ramifications of the strained relations between the U.S. and Ukraine, with European entities taking tangible actions in response to diplomatic tensions.