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The war in Ukraine shows no signs of slowing, not even during the holiday season. Amid Russia’s intense attacks using long-range missiles and hundreds of Shahed drones, volunteers from Fritt Ukraina completed their 50th transport of critical supplies to the country and its soldiers on the front lines.
While many in Norway celebrated Christmas, Fritt Ukraina carried out its 50th transport. The delivery included ten vehicles and other essential equipment.
A Milestone for Fritt Ukraina
“Transport number 50 marks a significant milestone in Fritt Ukraina’s efforts to support Ukraine in its fight against Russia’s aggression,” says Peter C. Frølich, Chairman of the Board.
Aslak Sverdrup, one of the volunteers who participated in the transport, shared details of the operation:
“This time, the cargo included pickups, SUVs, drones, Starlink systems, EcoFlow battery packs, heaters, sleeping bags, wool underwear, and other vital supplies.”
Sverdrup, who works as Regional Director at Innovation Norway, participated as a volunteer and served as the head of security on this trip.
“Christmas, warmth, family, friends, and above all, safety—these are things we take for granted in Norway,” says Thomas Jøraandstad from Oslo, another volunteer on the trip. “These are luxuries many in Ukraine cannot experience.”
Jøraandstad has already taken part in over ten transports with Fritt Ukraina.
“We who participated in transport number 50 felt a strong sense of unity right from the planning stages. Participants came together, preparing for the mission as a team. Many had never met before but formed close bonds all the way until the ‘gifts’ were delivered in Ukraine. Seeing the joy of the recipients left a lasting impression,” says Jøraandstad.
“I feel fortunate to work with incredible people both at Fritt Ukraina and in the garage,” he adds.
Support for Norwegian F-16 Units
All equipment was delivered directly to military and civilian units in Ukraine, including strategic units like the 38th Marine Brigade.
“It’s another milestone that Fritt Ukraina now supports the F-16 unit 107th Fighter Wing,” says Secretary General Natalia Golis, who also participated in the transport.
This is the same unit Norway has supported with fighter jets.
Frontline Visits and Emotional Moments
The transport took the volunteers from Lviv in the west, where they met political leaders and visited the Ghost drone school, to Kyiv and onward to the frontlines in the Donetsk region.
“One of the recipients we visited was Ghost, one of the country’s official drone schools and one of Fritt Ukraina’s longest-standing partners,” says Sverdrup.
Ghost has now become a nationally accredited drone school in Ukraine.
In Kyiv, the group met with embassy representatives, special forces partners, and medics operating in the most dangerous areas.
“It was eye-opening to get so close to the operations and see how Ukrainians utilize the equipment,” says Sverdrup.
Christmas Day at a Drone Unit on the Frontline
The experiences on the frontline deeply moved the volunteers. Amid ongoing battles, soldiers took time to celebrate Christmas with festive food, songs, and a decorated Christmas tree.
“It was an intimate and emotional celebration,” describes Sverdrup. “The longing for our own families was strong but put into perspective when we met soldiers celebrating their third Christmas away from home.”
Effective Support with High Impact
One of Fritt Ukraina’s strengths is its ability to quickly address needs.
“From the moment a need arises in the field, it takes only a few days for the deliveries to arrive,” says Sverdrup.
He highlights an incident illustrating the impact of their efforts:
“When we visited a drone position on the frontline, the operator pointed to the equipment and said, ‘That EcoFlow, those PCs, and the drone monitoring now were delivered by you.’ That’s when you know what we do truly matters.”
“They Need Us More Than Ever”
With a harsh winter and intensified battles at the front, the need for support is immense. Sverdrup encourages everyone to contribute, quoting Roy Jacobsen:
“It’s better to do a little than to have a lot of opinions,” says Sverdrup.
“We can confidently look our financial supporters in the eye and report that Fritt Ukraina delivers on what we promise,” says Morten Wetland from Oslo. Wetland, a board member of Fritt Ukraina, participated in his fourth transport during the Christmas convoy.
“This is a well-tested operation with robust routines,” Wetland adds.
Over 50 transports, Fritt Ukraina has demonstrated how volunteer efforts can make a difference. With continued support from their backers, they aim to keep delivering hope and help to Ukraine.
The eleven participants in the 50th transport were Torbjørn Seljevoll, Evi Seljevoll, Natalia Golis, Aslak Sverdrup, Ketil Dørre, Nina Dørre, Thomas Jøraandstad, Eystein Setsaas, Morten Køpke, Morten Wetland, and Torgunn Køpke.
