In a move of significant geopolitical implications, a major Norwegian oil and shipping company, Haltbakk Bunkers, has announced the cessation of all fuel supplies to the United States military.
The decision follows a public confrontation between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The company issued a statement on Facebook, which was later deleted due to heavy online traffic, condemning the manner in which President Trump and Vice President JD Vance treated the Ukrainian leader during a recent White House meeting.
"We have today been witnesses to the biggest shitshow ever presented ‘live on tv’ by the current American president and his vice president. Huge credit to the president of Ukraine for restraining himself and for keeping calm even though the USA put on a backstabbing TV show. It made us sick. Short and sweet. As a result, we have decided to immediately STOP as a fuel provider to American forces in Norway and their ships calling Norwegian ports," the company's statement read.
Call for European solidarity
The company further encouraged other Norwegians and Europeans to follow its lead in cutting off supplies to the United States.
The firm’s decision comes after a contentious live broadcast of a meeting between President Trump, Vice President Vance, and President Zelensky, during which Trump reportedly criticised the Ukrainian leader for a lack of gratitude.
The heated exchange led to widespread backlash across Europe, with Haltbakk Bunkers becoming the first corporate entity to take action.
Also read: Trump-Zelenskyy White House clash: What went down? Watch
In an interview with Norwegian publication Kystens Næringsliv, Haltbakk Bunkers’ CEO, Gunnar Gran, stood by the company’s decision.
“Not a single litre will be delivered until Trump is finished,” he stated.
Strategic implications for US military
The suspension of fuel supplies could pose a logistical challenge for the US military, which relies on commercial suppliers for its fuel needs in Europe.
Analysts warn that if other European fuel providers adopt a similar stance, it could significantly impact US naval operations in the region.
Haltbakk Bunkers has previously taken a firm stance on geopolitical matters, having ceased all fuel sales to Russia following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine three years ago.
Gran acknowledged the financial repercussions of such actions but maintained that ethical considerations guided the company’s policies.
“This meant that many of our competitors received significant additional income. We lost a lot of revenue. But we have a moral compass. Now, the US is excluded due to their behaviour towards the Ukrainians,” he remarked.
While it remains unclear whether other European firms will follow suit, the move displays growing discontent among key US allies over Trump’s foreign policy approach, particularly with Ukraine.
Also read: PM Starmer’s royal reception for Zelenskyy post-Trump clash
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