"Naftogaz" secures arrest of Russian real estate in Oslo

The Oslo District Court has allowed Naftogaz Group to seize five Russian real estate properties in the Norwegian capital. This opens the way for a possible forced sale of property to recover compensation for assets seized by Russia after the occupation of Crimea in 2014.

This was reported by the Norwegian publication VG. The court issued its decision on September 22, 2026, but information about it became public on October 20.

The seizure includes an apartment building in the prestigious Frogner district and four cooperative apartments in other parts of Oslo. Three apartments are located in the western part of the city, and one in the Sinsen area.

The amount seized is 40 billion Norwegian kroner. At the same time, Naftogaz's total claims against Russia, according to the company's Norwegian lawyers, amount to 57 billion kroner, or approximately $6 billion. Of this amount, about 17 billion kroner is accrued interest and costs.

An important circumstance was the commercial use of Russian real estate. According to court documents, four properties are rented out, and the fifth is currently empty, although previously it was also used for rent. No evidence has been found that the tenants are Russian diplomats or persons connected with the Russian diplomatic mission.

This has legal significance, since Russian state property used for diplomatic purposes is usually protected by immunity from forced collection. At the same time, commercial use of real estate may allow the application of such measures.

The basis for Naftogaz's claims was the decision of the international arbitration in The Hague in April 2023. At that time, Russia was ordered to pay the Ukrainian company and other companies of the group about $4.22 billion for illegally expropriated assets in Crimea. Moscow has not voluntarily paid compensation.

The Russian side was not notified of the review of the application before the Norwegian court issued its decision. Now Russia can appeal the seizure, demanding an oral hearing. The court also provided for the possibility of lifting restrictions if the Russian Ministry of Justice provides a financial guarantee for 40 billion kroner.

Previously, in Norway, at Naftogaz's request, the Russian research vessel "Professor Molchanov" was arrested in the Svalbard archipelago. In addition, restrictions were imposed on a Russian hostel, vehicles, and bank accounts.

The seizure of real estate in Oslo became another stage in the international recovery of Russian assets. However, by itself it does not yet mean their sale or Naftogaz receiving compensation. For this, further execution of relevant legal procedures is necessary.

Based on materials from: VG, Aftenposten, Naftogaz of Ukraine