Haltbakk Bunkers Stops Fuel Supply to US Military Over Trump-Zelensky Dispute.
A Norwegian fuel company, Haltbakk Bunkers, has announced it will immediately stop supplying fuel to US military vessels in Norwegian ports. This move follows a tense exchange between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump during Zelenskyy's recent visit to the White House, where the two leaders had a heated discussion on the US’s stance regarding Ukraine.
Haltbakk Bunkers Criticizes US Leadership
In a statement shared on Facebook, Haltbakk Bunkers condemned the televised exchange, calling it the "biggest s***show ever presented live on TV."
The company expressed its support for Zelenskyy, praising his restraint during the confrontation, and strongly criticized the US’s treatment of Ukraine. Haltbakk Bunkers declared, “No Fuel to Americans!” and encouraged other Norwegian and European fuel providers to join in halting fuel supplies to the US military.
Owner's Stance: A Moral Decision
Gunnar Gran, the owner of Haltbakk Bunkers, elaborated on the decision in an interview with Norwegian maritime news outlet Kystens Næringsliv.
Gran clarified that no fuel would be supplied to US forces “until Trump is finished,” emphasizing that the decision was rooted in a moral stance. He also pointed out that his company had previously ceased fuel sales to Russian entities after Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
Although the company’s fuel supply to the US military vessels was relatively small—around three million liters in 2024—Gran’s decision reflects his commitment to the company’s values.
Norway's Commitment to US Military Support
Despite the boycott, Norwegian Defense Minister Tore Sandvik assured that the US military would continue to receive logistical support from Norway. "The US and Norway maintain a close and strong defense cooperation," Sandvik stated, reaffirming that the US military would continue to receive necessary supplies for its operations in Norway.
Norway's Security Concerns with Russiano
The move by Haltbakk Bunkers is also reflective of broader concerns in Norway, a NATO member, over Russia’s military activities near its borders.
With a shared Arctic border with Russia, Norway faces heightened security threats, particularly in light of Russia’s growing military presence and modernization efforts in the region. Norway has long been an integral part of NATO’s defense strategy but has been cautious of escalating tensions with Russia.
The Fallout from the Trump-Zelenskyy Meeting
The fuel boycott comes after a tense meeting between President Trump and President Zelenskyy, in which Trump and Vice President JD Vance reportedly criticized Zelenskyy for not showing enough gratitude for US aid to Ukraine. Trump warned Zelenskyy, "You’re gambling with millions of people... You’re gambling with World War III."
While the exchange raised concerns in Ukraine and was welcomed by Moscow, Zelenskyy later expressed appreciation for the American people and leadership. On social media, Zelenskyy posted, "Our relationship with the American President is more than just two leaders: It’s a historic and solid bond between our peoples."
Impact of the Boycott
Though symbolic, Haltbakk Bunkers' decision underscores growing frustration in Europe with the US’s policies on Ukraine under Trump’s administration. The fuel boycott highlights the mounting tension in US-European relations regarding Ukraine, adding another layer of complexity to the geopolitical situation.
The White House has yet to respond to Haltbakk Bunkers’ decision, but the company’s stance reflects the increasing dissatisfaction with the US’s approach to the ongoing conflict.
