Norwegian imports from Russia have set a new record in 2022, and in the first six months of the year we have imported goods worth almost NOK 11 billion. This is an increase of over 30 per cent compared to the previous year. (January and February, i.e. before the invasion of Ukraine, are included in the half-year figure.) Statistics Norway’s foreign trade statistics show that the increase in Norwegian imports includes almost all types of goods we can buy from Russia. Measured in kroner, we imported over 26 percent more fruit and vegetables, animal feed increased by 83 percent, mineral oil by over 100 percent, chemical products by 13 percent, metals by 30 percent, etc. In parallel with the fact that we are now sending weapons and emergency aid to Ukraine, Norwegian imports that we are indirectly involved in financing the war against the Ukrainian civilian population. In the first half of the year alone, we sent more money to Putin’s Russia than the 10 billion Prime Minister Støre has promised Ukraine in Norwegian support over the next two years. Hitting the Russian economy through sanctions has been stated policy since the invasion of Ukraine. However, it has proven very difficult in practice to remove all imports and exports. One of the few exceptions is Russian vodka and other alcohol. Here, Vinmonopolet and Norwegian restaurants took responsibility, and removed Russian products from the shelves immediately after the invasion. The result was that sales disappeared overnight. The Norwegian market for Russian vodka was admittedly marginal, but it shows that action pays off. When it comes to fish, the situation is exactly the opposite. Here we have chosen the path of least resistance and left the ports wide open for Russian fishing boats. According to the Storting’s investigation section, this is a practice that neither Great Britain, Canada nor any EU country has chosen. While others are closing their ports, Norway has become a free port for Russian fishing boats and allowed trade to increase. For Russia, the fishing fleet is important both economically and strategically. Since the invasion at the end of February, Norway has bought Russian fish for over one billion kroner. However, the real value for Russia is far higher than the one billion. This is because the estimate is only based on the official minimum price and the fish is resold for a much higher amount. Ukrainian refugees in Tromsø have naturally been shocked to see the harbor full of Russian boats. They come from a country where Russia has not only closed and mined the ports, but where the food industry is subject to targeted attacks and looting. Grain warehouses have been systematically looted or blown up, fields mined and agricultural machinery dismantled and transported to Russia. While Russian fishing boats can be safely docked in Tromsø, fishing off the coast of Ukraine is a life-threatening situation. We should listen to the Ukrainian refugees’ plea to close the ports to Russian ships. This is a requirement that also has great support among the Norwegian population. In a survey carried out by Norstat on behalf of the Norwegian-Ukrainian Friends Association, 9 out of 10 answered that the Norwegian ports should be closed to Russian ships. There was an overwhelming majority for this among voters in all parties and residents in all parts of the country. This is a clear signal that both business and the Norwegian government must listen to. Norwegian trade with Russia does not only include fish, and corresponding sanctions must be introduced on all goods that we import from Russia. It is good that the oil country Norway is now introducing sanctions against the import of Russian crude oil, but much remains to be done. Norway must realize that the time for economic dialogue and cooperation with the Russian dictatorship is over. If we want Ukraine to win the war, trade with Russia must cease, and we must work together with other allies to stop all money flowing to Moscow. Economic measures against Russia will undoubtedly have consequences for both individual companies and industries that have absolutely no fault in the situation we now face. It is important that society at large stands up for them. At the same time, we must realize that war and extensive abuses against the civilian population require action. Many countries stood up for Norway when we were occupied and fought for our freedom. Now it’s our turn to stand up for Ukraine. Closing the ports to all Russian ships is a clear signal that Norway is willing to fight for freedom in Europe and also take our share of the costs. In a recent speech to European parliamentarians, Jens Stoltenberg said this as follows: “The price we pay is measured in currency. The price they pay is measured in lives lost every day.” We should listen to Jens.
ttn-69
Close the ports – Statement
