- Dette innlegget er også tilgjengelig på norsk.
Today, the news came that Fritt Ukraina has been awarded the Sønsteby Prize for 2026.
“We send our heartfelt thanks to all volunteers, supporters, and members who contribute to the work of helping our friends in Ukraine,” says Peter Frølich, chairman of Fritt Ukraina.
In its rationale, the Sønsteby Foundation writes:
The Sønsteby Prize 2026 is awarded to Fritt Ukraina, which since its founding in 2022 has made a remarkable contribution to the vital fight for democracy on our continent in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
They have mastered the demanding task of delivering targeted aid efficiently to the front lines.
The association has provided support to both civilians and military forces, contributing to maintaining Ukraine’s will and capacity to defend itself.
Impressive mobilization and execution
Fritt Ukraina has demonstrated impressive execution and broad mobilization. More than NOK 425 million has been raised from over 10,000 unique donors, and the membership has exceeded 4,000. They have organized around 100 convoys with volunteer drivers, delivering aid directly to recipients.
Through established and reliable partnerships with local actors, they ensure short lines of communication, close oversight, and follow-up, regardless of bureaucratic obstacles. The association has achieved cross-political support, helping convey Ukraine’s story and struggle in Norway.
More than 250 people from Norway have personally traveled to Ukraine with equipment, which in itself helps build defensive capacity at home.
See also: Forsvarets Forum: Fritt Ukraina receives the Sønsteby Prize Fritt Ukraina får Sønstebyprisen
All countries can be invaded; it is the ability to resist over time that determines whether freedom is won. The Norwegian population’s will to defend itself gave us strength during World War II. Contributing to this in another country and witnessing that resistance works builds each individual’s understanding that our collective preparedness depends on everyone.
In Ukraine, one of the main headquarters for resistance activity is called “Gunnar,” named after Gunnar Sønsteby. The fight for freedom, democracy, and sovereignty is the same in Europe today as it was during World War II.
Fritt Ukraina’s work aligns with the Sønsteby Prize’s guiding principle of an uncompromising fight for democracy and the rule of law. In Fritt Ukraina’s persistent efforts, we see Gunnar Sønsteby’s values put into action: a necessary struggle for democracy that will continue until freedom is secured.
The Sønsteby Foundation also commends the wide range of initiatives supporting Ukraine. Many associations and organizations do commendable work. Fritt Ukraina, however, stands out due to its size and impact, making it a highly deserving recipient of this year’s prize.
The award ceremony for the Sønsteby Prize 2026 will take place in Oslo on 9 January 2026.
See also: Press release from the Sønsteby Foundation/Pressemeldingen fra Sønstebyfondet
Gunnar Sønsteby
Gunnar Sønsteby (1918–2012) was a Norwegian resistance fighter during World War II, known by the codename “Kjakan.” He played a central role in the Norwegian resistance movement, engaging in sabotage, intelligence work, and organizing illegal operations against the German occupation. Sønsteby received numerous awards for his courage, including Norway’s highest honor, the War Cross with Sword. After the war, he became a symbol of resistance and integrity and actively worked to share knowledge of war history and promote democratic values and freedom.
About the Sønsteby Foundation
The work of building peace begins with fostering a will to defend across generations. As a nation, we have a moral duty to protect the democracy for which previous generations have fought and fallen. This fundamental freedom secures our daily lives and future. This message was central to Sønsteby’s work as an educator, and it is this message we seek to continue through this initiative. The Sønsteby Foundation actively works to strengthen and protect our freedom and democratic values. The foundation supports efforts to increase public willingness to defend the nation and to assist veterans who have contributed in the service of peace.
