Author: Alex Evans
Publisher: Express Newspapers
Date of Publication: March 1, 2025
Article Title: Norway fuel giant ‘refuses to fill US submarines’ after Trump-Zelensky clash

Digest of the Article:

In a masterclass of diplomatic faux pas, the Norwegian fuel provider Haltbakk Bunkers has taken an unprecedented stand against the U.S. by declaring a complete fuel ban for American military vessels. This bold move, described as a rebuke to Donald Trump following his cringe-worthy confrontation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, paints a picture of international relations resembling a soap opera more than a serious political landscape. It’s a fitting response to Trump, who, during the Oval Office showdown, lectured Zelensky on gratitude, evidently forsaking basic decorum in the process. All the while, Zelensky remained a picture of restraint amid what must have felt like a live reality show gone wrong, leaving many to wonder if the Trump administration sees Ukraine as a friend or just a pawn on a checkered board of their own making. As Norway firmly declares, “No fuel to Americans!”, one can’t help but roll their eyes at how the United States has managed to alienate its allies in spectacular fashion. Bravo, Mr. Trump, Bravo!

Ah, the irony of U.S. submarines needing fuel—a delightful twist in a narrative where one might assume they run on power, prestige, and abundant bravado. These glorious metal leviathans, while capable of stealthy aquatic maneuvering and nuclear prowess, often rely on conventional fuel for their diesel-electric systems, especially during their dockside snags or in regions where they need to conserve their nuclear reserves for more, shall we say, exigent circumstances. So, as Haltbakk Bunkers waves goodbye to American vessels, one can’t help but envision these submarines bobbing in Norway’s chilly waters, awkwardly whispering sweet nothings to their fuel tanks as they ponder the geopolitical circus unfolding above. It’s almost poetic—U.S. submarines, those symbols of military might, suddenly grounded by a quarrel that played out like a bad reality show.

Fact Check:

  • Claim: Haltbakk Bunkers will indeed stop providing fuel to U.S. forces as a response to Trump’s behavior.
  • Verification: The article confirms this action by the company, citing their intentions and statements made by their owner, Gunnar Gran.
  • Context of Trump-Zelensky Interaction: The article accurately describes the confrontation’s nature and the fallout, including reactions from Zelensky.

MLA Citation:

Evans, Alex. “Norway fuel giant ‘refuses to fill US submarines’ after Trump-Zelensky clash.” Express, 1 Mar. 2025.