Oslo court seizes five Russian properties for Naftogaz

An Oslo court has authorized the seizure of five Russian-owned properties in Norway as part of a legal effort by the Ukrainian energy company Naftogaz and several associated entities to recover damages. The claim, totaling approximately 57 billion Norwegian kroner (nearly 6 billion USD), stems from the loss of assets following Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014.

The seized assets include a residential building in the Frogner district and four cooperative apartments located in western Oslo and the Sinsen area. The court noted that these properties were being used for charter purposes rather than diplomatic functions, a distinction that prevents them from being protected by sovereign immunity.

The original claim was for 40 billion kroner, with the remaining amount consisting of accrued interest and legal costs. This action follows a 2023 arbitration ruling in The Hague that allows Ukrainian entities to seek Russian assets in various countries to satisfy the judgment. Russia continues to contest the arbitration decision in Dutch courts.