Gunnar Gran, Who Refused U.S. Navy Fuel After Trump Bullied Zelenskyy

By Florian Morata - March 14, 2025

We are proud to announce that we will present the Strategic Intelligence Institute Award (SIIA) to Gunnar Gran, CEO of Norwegian oil company Haltbakk Bunkers. This prestigious award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional courage in supporting liberal democratic values.

Background on the Award

The SIIA is bestowed upon individuals whose decisions, actions, or statements significantly advance the cause of liberal democracies and counteract authoritarian tendencies. Previous recipients include Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, who has shown remarkable leadership in the face of external aggression.

Gunnar Gran’s Stand for Democratic Values

In early March 2025, a highly publicized meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House drew international attention. The meeting, marked by tension and perceived disrespect towards President Zelenskyy, was widely criticized. In response to this incident, Gunnar Gran and Haltbakk Bunkers took a bold stand:

  • Termination of Fuel Supplies: Haltbakk Bunkers announced it would cease supplying fuel to U.S. Navy vessels in Norwegian ports until President Trump left office. The company described the treatment of President Zelenskyy as "the biggest s***tshow ever presented live on TV" and expressed moral outrage over the incident.
  • Moral Leadership: Gran emphasized the company’s commitment to its moral compass, stating, "We follow our moral compass. We support Ukraine." He further urged other Norwegian and European companies to join in this stance, highlighting the importance of standing against perceived injustices.

This decision, while symbolic, underscored a commitment to democratic principles and respect for international allies. It resonated with many who viewed the treatment of President Zelenskyy as unacceptable.

Norwegian Government’s Position

The Norwegian government, while acknowledging Haltbakk Bunkers’ position, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting U.S. forces. Defense Minister Tore Sandvik stated that the government’s policy remained unchanged, ensuring that American forces would continue to receive necessary supplies and support from Norway.

Conclusion

Gunnar Gran’s decisive action exemplifies the courage and moral clarity that the SIIA seeks to honor. By prioritizing ethical considerations over business interests, Gran and Haltbakk Bunkers have set a powerful example of corporate responsibility and support for democratic values. The Strategic Intelligence Institute is honored to recognize Gunnar Gran’s leadership and commitment to liberal democracy with this year’s Strategic Intelligence Institute Award.