Russian response to vessel detention could anger Norway, lawmaker says

Russian response to the detention of the research vessel Professor Molchanov could anger Norway, says Andrey Kolesnik, State Duma member.

According to him, however, Moscow will seek to resolve the issue through diplomatic and legal channels, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

“If these efforts fail, Russia has the right to respond in kind to Norway’s actions. <...> The detention of Professor Molchanov is nothing short of a seizure. We are seeing international maritime law continue to be violated by a number of Western countries,” the lawmaker stressed.

In his words, some possible Russian responses could seriously displease Oslo.

On August 31, the North Troms and Senja District Court authorised the detention of the vessel.

On September 2, the decision was enforced by Svalbard Governor Lars Fause.

The Professor Molchanov has been ordered to remain at the pier in Barentsburg until a new decision is issued by the court or governor.

The vessel was detained following an application by the Ukrainian company Naftogaz, which is seeking enforcement of an arbitration ruling requiring Russia to pay about $4.22 billion for assets lost in annexed Crimea.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov