Haltbakk Bunkers, a Norwegian oil and shipping company, has suspended fuel supplies to US military forces in response to a contentious meeting between Presidents Trump and Zelensky. The company criticized the US leadership on social media, describing the meeting as a “sh*t show” and expressed support for Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict. Gunnar Gran, CEO of Haltbakk Bunkers, emphasized the company’s moral stance, stating that no fuel would be supplied until Trump is out of office. The Norwegian government hasn’t issued similar directives, noting it’s too early to assess the meeting’s implications. The company had previously stopped dealings with Russian entities.
A Norwegian oil and shipping company has declared an immediate suspension of fuel supplies to US military forces docking at the country’s ports. This move is a direct reaction to the recent controversial meeting between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House on Friday.
Following the meeting, Haltbakk Bunkers, which provided roughly 3,000,000 litres of fuel to the US military in 2024, issued a biting statement on Facebook.
“Today we witnessed the greatest ‘sh*t show’ ever broadcast live on television, presented by the current American president and his vice president,” the company stated. “Huge credit to the president of Ukraine for maintaining his composure and keeping calm, despite the USA’s backstabbing TV show. It made us sick. Short and sweet.”
Read: After Trump-Zelensky Spat In White House, What Next For Ukraine
“Consequently, we have made the decision to immediately STOP being the fuel supplier to American forces in Norway and their ships visiting Norwegian ports,” they announced.
The post has since been removed, reportedly due to an influx of traffic on the company’s page.
Trump-Zelensky Meeting
The high-stakes Oval Office meeting, originally intended to discuss potential peace negotiations with Russia and future US access to Ukraine’s mineral resources, swiftly escalated into a tense confrontation. President Trump and Vice President JD Vance openly criticized President Zelensky, accusing him of compromising global security by resisting a peace treaty with Russia and failing to express gratitude for US support. The discussions ended abruptly without the anticipated minerals agreement being signed.
“We Have A Moral Compass”
Haltbakk Bunkers’ owner, chairman, and CEO, Gunnar Gran, reaffirmed the company’s decision in an interview with the Norwegian outlet Kystens.
“As you can probably understand, not a litre will be delivered until Trump is out of office,” Mr. Gran remarked.
The company made a public appeal, “We urge all Norwegians and Europeans to follow our lead. Slava Ukrainia.”
Read: What Transpired Moments Before Trump Asked Zelensky To Leave White House
Mr. Gran stated, “We support Ukraine. We have numerous Ukrainian employees, and we understand how devastating this war is for them and their families.”
Based in Aure, Norway, Haltbakk Bunkers specializes in delivering fuel products, lubricants, aquaculture disinfectants, and oil spill dispersants. While its direct dealings with US forces in Norway have been minimal, the US Marine Corps relies on commercial partners for logistical support during exercises and crisis responses in the area.
Government’s Statement
The Norwegian government has not released a similar directive.
Norway’s Prime Minister, Jonas Gahr Store, commented that it’s too early to draw conclusions solely from the meeting. “We now have five to six weeks of Trump as president. We still need to work on understanding the ramifications of the style, the actions, and the language they use,” Mr. Store told NRK.
Not The First Business Stand Against A War
Gunnar Gran does not believe that the fuel boycott will “upset anyone.” “It’s simply a matter of moral support,” he stated.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the company had already halted transactions with Russian entities, resulting in substantial revenue losses.
Read: “Cocaine Clown, Putin’s Dirty Work”: World Reacts To Trump vs Zelensky
“It provided many of our competitors with extra revenue, while we suffered significant losses. But we have a moral compass,” Mr. Gran conveyed to Kystens.
“Now the United States is excluded based on their behavior towards the Ukrainians,” he added, “we choose our customers.”