- Dette innlegget er også tilgjengelig på norsk.
Magnus Sønsteby has visited the Ukrainian command base “Gunnar” near the front line in Zaporizhzhia. The base, used by a Ukrainian drone unit, is named after his grandfather, resistance fighter Gunnar Sønsteby. The visit made a strong impression.
– For me, the journey to Zaporizhzhia and the “Gunnar” headquarters began earlier this winter when Fritt Ukraina was awarded the Sønsteby Prize. The award resonated with me personally, not only because it bears my grandfather’s name, but because it represents values I grew up with through many years close to Gunnar Sønsteby as my grandfather, says Sønsteby.
He took part as a volunteer in the transport and personally drove one of the vehicles all the way from Norway to Zaporizhzhia, a long journey that truly puts into perspective the efforts being made on the ground.
The Sønsteby Prize is a prestigious annual award presented by the Sønsteby Foundation. It is given to worthy representatives of the values that the legendary resistance fighter Gunnar Sønsteby upheld throughout his life.
In its justification, the foundation highlighted Fritt Ukraina’s ability to mobilize broadly, raise funds, and deliver targeted aid to both civilians and military forces in Ukraine. One of the vehicles in the delivery was also financed by the prize money from the Sønsteby Prize.
– My grandfather taught me that peace and freedom can never be taken for granted, and that when necessary, they must be defended to safeguard democracy, freedom of expression, the rule of law, and human rights. I grew up with stories of resistance, courage, and determination, about ordinary people who made difficult choices and sacrificed everything for their country’s freedom and values. As he himself put it: “We must not take for granted the fundamental values on which our democracy is built,” says Magnus Sønsteby.
See also: The Sønsteby Prize 2026 is awarded to Fritt Ukraina
– We share a common goal: to live in a free country
In 2026, it is the Ukrainian people who are fighting for their freedom. The time is different. The enemy is different. The weapons are different. But the goal is the same: to live in a free country.
– It is the same goal that Gunnar Sønsteby, the Norwegian resistance movement, and the Norwegian people fought for during the occupation of Norway in World War II, he says.
Magnus Sønsteby also points to his grandfather’s choice when Norway was invaded:
– Gunnar was a man of action throughout his life. When he saw enemy forces marching through the streets of Oslo on 9 April 1940, it immediately became clear to him that something had to be done. This conviction, that strong resistance was necessary, guided him through five years of fighting for Norway’s freedom.
See also: Command center “Gunnar” at the frontline: A strong symbol of Norwegian support and civilian courage
Recognized the same spirit of resistance
One of the people Sønsteby met during his visit to Ukraine was Yehor, who leads the Ukrainian drone unit and the “Gunnar” command base near the front.
Yehor originally has a background as a journalist, IT developer, and politician, but enlisted following Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. Today, he is considered a key figure in the development of Ukraine’s drone warfare and is also an important partner for Fritt Ukraina.
– In meeting Yehor and several members of his drone unit, I recognized the same conviction, a shared understanding that resistance is necessary, and a determination not to give up until freedom is restored. Like my grandfather, they are ordinary people without extensive military backgrounds, but with extraordinary willpower, resilience, and endurance to do what is required for as long as it takes, says Sønsteby.
The base is named after Gunnar Sønsteby as a gesture of gratitude for the support from Fritt Ukraina and Norway.
– Standing in a command base that Ukrainians themselves have chosen to name “Gunnar” made a strong impression, not only because it carries my grandfather’s name, but because it was chosen by those who are fighting today. They use history not to look back, but as a source of strength for the present and the future. It felt like a continuation of Gunnar’s work, he says.
Magnus Sønsteby also brought several English editions of Gunnar Sønsteby’s book Report from No. 24, including a signed copy. This was presented as a gift to Yehor and his unit.
See also: Inteview with Yehor
My grandfather would have supported Ukraine
The visit was both a personal choice and rooted in his grandfather’s legacy:
– The visit was my decision to go. At the same time, it is firmly grounded in the values Gunnar Sønsteby lived by and dedicated his life to promoting. Gunnar would have supported Ukraine’s fight for freedom and would have been proud that his story is used as inspiration for people today who are fighting for their country’s freedom and resisting attacks from states driven by authoritarian thinking. The struggle for freedom, democracy, and sovereignty in Europe today is the same as during World War II.
Natalia Golis also took part in the transport to Zaporizhzhia. She thanks Magnus for his strong commitment and voluntary contribution in delivering equipment all the way to eastern Ukraine.
– It means a great deal to us as an organization, and to the soldiers in the field, that you joined us in person. Presence matters more than ever. The name “Gunnar” is much more than a tribute to a Norwegian man of honor who stood for these same values—it is a bridge between our two countries that will stand in this fight. Together.
– Following in the footsteps of Gunnar Sønsteby demands endurance and courage, she adds.
Sees the impact of support from Norway
Visiting a country at war is very different from reading about it or seeing images and news coverage.
– Even though the war is ever-present, everyday life continues, with people trying to hold on to normal routines while everyone knows someone who has been killed or injured due to the brutal war, says Magnus Sønsteby.
During his stay, he also witnessed how support from Fritt Ukraina is used in practice:
– I have seen how Fritt Ukraina ensures that the support they receive is quickly and efficiently turned into vehicles, drones, and other critical equipment, delivered directly into the hands of those fighting on the front line. Support for Ukraine, and for units like this, must be continued and strengthened so that the enemy can be pushed back and the country can once again be free, he says.
The transport Sønsteby participated in was Fritt Ukraina’s transport number 120, delivering 11 vehicles, 20 drones, and 11 generators to Ukrainian forces.
Encourages young people to get involved
For Sønsteby, engagement in Ukraine ultimately comes down to values:
– For me, supporting Ukraine is about standing up for freedom, responsibility, and human dignity, even when it is difficult. The same values that shaped Gunnar Sønsteby live on today in those fighting for Ukraine’s freedom. Supporting them means taking those values seriously, he says.
Magnus Sønsteby works as an IT advisor in a consulting firm in Oslo. He enjoys summer and life at sea, and is also committed to preserving both the legacy and values of his grandfather.
He was part of the board when the memorial foundation was established following Gunnar Sønsteby’s passing in 2012. Today, his brother Jonas Sønsteby has taken over and serves on the board on behalf of the family.
He encourages others to engage and contribute, both for Ukraine and for Europe’s future security.
– Gunnar Sønsteby cared deeply about young people. I especially encourage the younger generation to get involved. It is their future, freedom, and security that are at stake in Europe’s future, adds Magnus Sønsteby.
Gunnar Sønsteby
Gunnar Sønsteby (1918–2012) was a key leader in the Norwegian resistance movement during World War II, notably as head of the “Oslo Gang.” He carried out numerous sabotage operations against the German occupation forces and is Norway’s most decorated war hero, including receiving the War Cross with three swords.
After the war, he devoted his life to promoting the importance of democracy, responsibility, and resistance to oppression.
