Les saken på norsk – Read article in Ukrainian
By Elin Toft, Fritt Ukraina
Just back from Ukraine, Ingunn Lunde has powerful impressions to share. “It’s one thing to read about what’s happening. It’s quite another to meet the people affected,” says the professor of Russian.
Large parts of Norway’s academic community in Russian studies have turned their backs on Russia after the full-scale invasion in 2022. For many, standing shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine has become a matter of honor. Some do so by providing concrete support for the work of Fritt Ukraina.
Earlier in October, a convoy of four cars traveled from Oslo to Ukraine under the auspices of Fritt Ukraina. One of the cars was mainly financed by funds raised in a campaign among students of Ukrainian at the University of Oslo. Joining the trip were three representatives from the fundraiser: Yngvild Sørbye, Sturla Berg-Olsen, and Ingunn Lunde. While these three were on their first volunteer mission to Ukraine, the other convoy members, Morten Køpke, Hogne Overaa, and Tommy Simenstad, were experienced drivers with several trips under their belts.
After the long journey from Oslo to Lviv, the six convoy members spent a day in Lviv before returning to Norway. It was a day of stark contrasts between a beautiful, historic city and the brutal realities of war.
Straight from the Frontlines
“When we handed over the cars and equipment, we met representatives from the military units that receive the supplies. We also met volunteers from the local Ukrainian organization that serves as a bridge between us and those fighting at the front. These were strong, close encounters,” says Ingunn Lunde. Several of the representatives came straight from frontline areas and were set to return that same day.
“You get a different kind of reality check when you speak with someone in the middle of battles and operations,” reflects Lunde.
Another powerful experience was visiting the Field of Mars, the new part of the Lychakiv Cemetery in Lviv. Ingunn Lunde describes flags standing close together, surrounded by flowers and photos of the fallen. She struggles to find words for the horror of what’s happening but finally says:
“All the people who have lost their lives because of this war, women and men, so many young people robbed of their future. What Russia is doing is unforgivable.”
At the same time, the Norwegian group had some positive experiences – it was inspiring to see the strength of civil society and meet some of the dedicated individuals driving it forward.
“We must not forget the enormous efforts of Ukrainian civilians! Numerous grassroots initiatives are flourishing, and Ukraine could not survive without the support of its own people,” Lunde emphasizes.
Solidarity in Learning Ukrainian
The background of this particular fundraising campaign is the Ukrainian language courses for Slavicists at the University of Oslo, initiated by Atle Grønn, a professor of Slavic languages. Since the courses started in the fall of 2022, they’ve drawn many adult students with large networks in fields like defense, diplomacy, and academia.
The students share a strong interest in Ukraine, previous knowledge of another Slavic language, and a desire to learn Ukrainian. Yngvild Sørbye and Sturla Berg-Olsen are examples of this: Sørbye is both a musicologist and Soviet historian who is actively engaged in dissemination of Ukrainian cultural history, while Berg-Olsen is a linguist with a background in Baltic languages (Lithuanian and Latvian) who works for the Language Council of Norway.
For Ingunn Lunde, who has spent her career in Russian studies, learning Ukrainian has become an act of solidarity.
“Knowing Ukrainian allows you to speak with Ukrainians, read books and news in Ukrainian, and learn about culture and history in a more direct way. “The language question” is also part of the Russian propaganda efforts. For instance, Putin claims that Ukrainian is a dialect rather than an independent language. So it’s a knee-jerk reaction to do the exact opposite: learn Ukrainian and counter that false propaganda.”
Supporting Fritt Ukraina Was an Easy Choice
Lunde was the initiator of the fundraising campaign, hoping it would spread through the students’ broad networks. The goal was 80,000 NOK, but they ultimately raised 95,000 NOK. With additional funds from Fritt Ukraina, the total was doubled to nearly 200,000 NOK, which was used to purchase a Toyota pickup and essential supplies like power banks and observation drones.
“Why support the organization Fritt Ukraina?”
“I’ve followed them for a long time, and it was an obvious choice. I find Fritt Ukraina to be a transparent, well organized, and professional organization that I trust. The organization has a strong focus on providing exactly what is needed. They ask the military units what they need and strive to deliver this quickly and efficiently. The organizations on the receiving end in Ukraine are also very competent. There is good, direct communication between the volunteers in the local organization and the military units,” Lunde explains.
Deeply Disappointed with Russians
Like many academics specializing in Russian language, literature, and culture, Professor Lunde has experienced a profound break with Russia since February 2022.
“All my contacts have left Russia, so I no longer collaborate with anyone there. I am deeply disappointed with Russian civil society, which is essentially passive and apathetic towards the war. Most Russians want to live their lives as before. We can, of course, understand that, yet at the same time, it’s incomprehensible. It certainly makes me pessimistic about the future.”
“I’m focusing on Ukraine; that’s where we can make a difference now. Ukrainians are paying a staggeringly high price for the right to live in a free country and have a future. If we can help just a little, it’s an obvious choice to do so,” Lunde says. She adds:
“We live our safe lives in Norway – for now. I’m coming back with an experience that has strengthened and deepened my bond with Ukraine.”
Transport Mission Number 43
“A big thank you to Ingunn, Yngvild, Sturla, and all their generous donors who organized a fundraiser and delivered supplies directly to the defense forces in Ukraine. This is true action,” says Natalia Golis, Secretary General of Fritt Ukraina.
“We are incredibly proud of their courageous voice and support in this existential struggle. Ukrainians are fighting not only for their country and democratic values but also for their own history, identity, and language,” she says.
The mission in which Ingunn Lunde, Yngvild Sørbye, and Sturla Berg-Olsen participated was Fritt Ukraina’s 43rd transport, consisting of four vehicles, Ecoflow power supplies, drones, as well as winter jackets, warm clothing, and thermal boots. Hogne Overaa, Tommy Simenstad, and Morten Køpke also participated in the mission.
