Norway’s Justice Department asserts it is not involved in the arrest of a Russian ship in Svalbard, clarifying the situation stems from a dispute between Naftogaz of Ukraine and Russia. The arrest was ordered by a Norwegian court following a request from Naftogaz. As a bailiff, the Governor of Svalbard is legally obligated to enforce the court’s decision, treating it like any other enforcement case regardless of the parties involved. Russia was not informed prior to the court’s decision, but has the right to request a re-evaluation of the case, as they have done previously with similar matters. The Governor of Svalbard is simply executing the court order, mirroring the role of a bailiff on mainland Norway. Norway maintains a neutral position, emphasizing the legal process is between Ukraine and Russia, and not a matter for Norwegian intervention.