- Dette innlegget er også tilgjengelig på norsk.
Freddy Bolle at Mars Fields in Lviv. Photo: Jahn Brusdal Eriksen
Freddy Bolle has extensive experience from the Armed Forces and has witnessed firsthand how war and conflict affect people and societies. Following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, he became actively involved with Fritt Ukraina.
It all started when a friend who had participated in several transports asked him if he wanted to join. Since then, Bolle has taken part in two transports to Ukraine, delivering vehicles and equipment to Ukrainian units.
“Totalitarian states are harmful. I have grown older and have also been abroad with the Armed Forces multiple times. When we see the suffering that people in Ukraine are going through, I wonder if Putin sleeps well at night. It is incredible that a madman is allowed to continue like this,” he says.
In September, he helped deliver nine vehicles and several drones to Ukraine.
On the most recent transport in January, they delivered 13 vehicles along with more equipment. For Ukrainian forces, these vehicles are crucial for transporting soldiers and supplies in challenging terrain.
“I have driven Toyota Land Cruisers extensively on foreign missions for the Armed Forces. It is reassuring to see that Fritt Ukraina delivers sturdy vehicles. I know these cars will be put to good use in Ukraine,” Bolle says.
Mental Preparation and Heightened Readiness
Trips to war-torn countries can leave a lasting impact. Bolle always prepares himself mentally before traveling, knowing that the situation can become dramatic.
“That’s when your internal readiness is heightened,” he explains.
On his first trip to Ukraine, they had to take cover in a bomb shelter.
“It had been many years since I last had to seek shelter in a bomb shelter. Fortunately, we avoided that on the most recent transport,” he says.
Visiting the Field of Mars Honorary Cemetery in Lviv is particularly moving.
“There, you see children who have lost fathers, mothers, siblings—parents who have lost their children. I have lost a brother myself and know how tough it is. Visiting the honorary cemetery only makes me want to contribute even more,” he says.
Facilitating Support for Wounded Soldiers
Bolle is also deeply moved by how Ukrainians have begun adapting their cities to accommodate injured soldiers.
“They have started removing cobblestones and paving over them to make it easier for war invalids to get around. They are also providing care for those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after experiencing the horrors of war. This is part of the war’s long-term cost that they will struggle with for years to come. It is good to see that they are preparing to address these issues,” he says.
Bolle has a brother who is 100% disabled with PTSD after many years of international service for Norway.
“Having seen this up close in my own family, I understand the importance of addressing it. I hope that Norway can also contribute its expertise to help Ukraine,” he says.
“Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum”
Freddy Bolle also has a message for Norwegian politicians. He believes that Norway must strengthen its defense and is a strong advocate for conscription.
“Why aren’t all capable young people given the opportunity to complete military service?”
“Si vis pacem, para bellum,” he says. This Latin phrase means, “If you want peace, prepare for war.”
Ukrainian soldiers are now being trained in Norway.
“Will we also have to send our youth abroad for training if our country is attacked?” he asks.
“Everyone should receive basic training to take care of themselves in a crisis or war, to be able to defend themselves and their country. This is crucial for total defense,” he says.
He encourages everyone who wants to support Ukraine to contribute.
“Not everyone can travel, but check out Fritt Ukraina’s pages and donate a few kroner to help Ukrainians in their fight for freedom,” says Freddy Bolle. “It feels good to be able to contribute,” he adds.
About Freddy Bolle
Freddy Bolle is a Norwegian veteran with extensive experience from international operations in Lebanon, Somalia, Bosnia, Kosovo, and Afghanistan. In addition, he has over 27 years of experience in child welfare, where he has worked directly with youth and children in child welfare institutions.
In 2002, he helped establish a child welfare institution, where he had co-ownership and leadership responsibilities. Bolle is also a sought-after speaker in the healthcare and welfare sectors, sharing his experiences on communication, crisis management, and the importance of listening to one’s inner voice. Now, he is also engaged in work for Fritt Ukraina.
Freddy Bolle is the brother of Trond Bolle, the Navy Special Forces operator and intelligence officer who was killed in Afghanistan in 2010.