Russia’s Foreign Ministry summoned Norwegian Ambassador to Moscow Hakon Olufsen on September 3 and issued a strong protest over Norway’s detention of the Russian research vessel Professor Molchanov.

Axar.az reports that, according to the ministry, the vessel was detained on September 2 at the port of Barentsburg, a Russian settlement on the Svalbard archipelago, at Ukraine’s request.

"The vessel, detained at the request of Ukraine, is owned by the Northern Department for Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring of Roshydromet. It was carrying out a scheduled voyage from Murmansk to the Russian settlement of Barentsburg to transport, among others, employees of the Arktikugol Trust and scientists. Professor Molchanov also supplies the Russian settlements of Barentsburg and Pyramiden with cargo necessary for their vital needs," the ministry stated.

Moscow accused Norway of restricting Russia’s lawful presence on Svalbard and violating the 1920 Svalbard Treaty. The Russian Foreign Ministry said it demanded the vessel’s release and that Russian authorities would continue efforts to have the detention lifted.

It added that Russian diplomatic and consular officials were providing assistance to the vessel’s crew and passengers.