Norwegian fuel supplier Haltbakk Bunkers announced they will halt fuel deliveries to the U.S. Navy until President Trump leaves office, but Norway’s government quickly stepped in to reassure America that official fuel supplies will continue uninterrupted.
Quick Takes
- Haltbakk Bunkers, a private Norwegian fuel supplier, announced it would stop delivering fuel to U.S. warships in protest of Trump’s treatment of Ukrainian President Zelensky
- The company supplied 3 million liters of fuel to U.S. warships in 2024 and employs many Ukrainian workers
- Norway’s Defense Ministry quickly contradicted the company’s stance, affirming that U.S. forces “will continue to receive the supply and support they require”
- The boycott was triggered by a heated Oval Office exchange involving Trump, Zelensky, and Vice President JD Vance
- Norway, a NATO ally, has reaffirmed its strong defense cooperation with the United States despite the private company’s actions
Private Company Takes Stand Against Trump
Norwegian fuel supplier Haltbakk Bunkers made headlines when it announced a boycott of the U.S. Navy, claiming it would not deliver “a single liter” of fuel until President Donald Trump “is gone.” The decision came in response to a controversial White House incident between President Trump, Vice President JD Vance and President Zelensky, which reportedly ended with Zelensky’s expulsion. The company, which supplied 3 million liters of fuel to American warships in 2024, employs numerous Ukrainian workers and cited this as part of their motivation to take a stand.
On their Facebook page, Haltbakk Bunkers characterized the White House incident as a “sh*tshow” and expressed solidarity with Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia. The company’s CEO, Gunnar Gran, later acknowledged the largely symbolic nature of their protest, admitting they don’t hold a fixed contract with the U.S. government. While the decision raised eyebrows internationally, it highlighted growing sentiments among some European allies about the Trump administration’s commitment to supporting Ukraine and maintaining traditional transatlantic relationships.
European Companies Begin to Boycott the U.S. Is a Trade War on the Horizon?
The major Norwegian marine fuel company Haltbakk Bunkers has halted fuel supplies to U.S. Navy ships and called on other companies to follow its lead. pic.twitter.com/dIYElQLLA4
— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) March 1, 2025
Norwegian Government Reaffirms U.S. Alliance
Norway’s Defense Ministry moved swiftly to distance itself from Haltbakk Bunkers’ announcement, releasing a statement reassuring Washington that official fuel supplies would continue uninterrupted. “The U.S. and Norway maintain a close and strong defense cooperation. American forces will continue to receive the supply and support they require from Norway,” the ministry declared, emphasizing the importance of their NATO relationship. Defense Minister Tore Sandvik further clarified that the private company’s boycott did not align with government policy and would not affect official military cooperation.
This quick response highlighted Norway’s delicate balancing act – acknowledging domestic concerns about U.S. policy toward Ukraine while maintaining critical defense relationships. As a founding NATO member with Russia as a neighbor, Norway has strong strategic interests in preserving its military partnership with the United States. The government’s reaction demonstrated its prioritization of national security considerations over the political statement made by a single private company, regardless of how much attention the boycott received in international media.
Ukraine Support Remains Strong in Scandinavia
While managing the fuel supply controversy, Norway has continued demonstrating support for Ukraine alongside other Scandinavian nations. Together with Denmark, Sweden, and Finland, Norway recently announced additional aid packages to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities against Russia. This regional solidarity shows that despite questions about America’s long-term commitment to Ukraine under Trump, Northern European nations will maintain their assistance to Kyiv. The incident reflects broader tensions within European NATO members as they navigate their relationships with both the United States and Ukraine.
