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Fritt Ukraina has received two vehicles and a number of generators from Rissa Kraftlag, a local energy company on the Fosen peninsula in Trøndelag. The equipment has been sent to frontline areas in Zaporizhzhia oblast, where the need for transport and stable power supply is critical.
“War in Ukraine is not something we can stand by and watch from the sidelines. Many are contributing, and it is important that businesses also take responsibility,” says CEO Per-Arne Sæther of Rissa Kraftlag.
The vehicles that have now been donated were already scheduled to be phased out. Instead, they were filled with new equipment before departure.
“We can supply vehicles to Ukraine when they are due for replacement. They have low trade-in value for us, but high utility value there. We had two vehicles that were to be replaced, a van and a pickup, these are good vehicles that have served us well,” says Sæther.
Both vans and pickups with 4WD and diesel engines are in high demand in Ukraine. Four-wheel drive is essential for mobility, and diesel is important both due to easier fuel access and because it is safer and less prone to explosion than petrol in the event of drone attacks or mines.
“When we delivered the vehicles, we made sure they weren’t sent empty, but filled with generators we had purchased. We know there is a major need for power supply, so it’s important to make full use of the payload,” he says.
The generators will contribute to critical power supply in areas where infrastructure has been destroyed or is unstable, while the vehicles are used to transport both personnel and equipment close to the front line.
Part of corporate social responsibility
The donation is part of Rissa Kraftlag’s corporate social responsibility efforts and comes from the company’s regular budget allocated for community-benefit purposes.
“For us, it is important to contribute where we can, both locally and when help is needed beyond our own borders. These are funds set aside for such purposes, in the same way as when we support sports, culture and volunteer activities at home,” says Sæther.
He emphasizes that the support does not affect customers.
“The donation does not come from electricity prices, fiber customers or operating funds, nor does it impact local projects or maintenance,” he says.
Regional engagement from Trøndelag
Sæther points out that the contribution must be seen in a broader context. At the same time, there is also a regional connection to the delivery.
“There is an additional point in that the vehicles went specifically to Zaporizhzhia,” says Sæther, as Trøndelag County has recently entered into an agreement to become a partner region with Zaporizhzhia oblast.
“It was not the regional partnership that determined the destination, but the fact that Fritt Ukraina already has close cooperation with several units in the Zaporizhzhia region,” he says.
The County Mayor of Trøndelag is strongly engaged in the cooperation with Zaporizhzhia.
“I am proud to see how Trøndelag-based companies like Rissa Kraftlag are engaging for Ukraine and contributing with tangible support. This shows that solidarity is not only about words, but about action, and that local actors can make a real difference,” says Tomas Iver Hallem.
“At the same time, the volunteers of Fritt Ukraina deserve great recognition for the invaluable effort they put into ensuring that the aid reaches those who need it most. I hope such initiatives can inspire more businesses and individuals to ask themselves: What can we do, and how can we contribute? Together, we can achieve more than we think,” he adds.
Magnus Sønsteby joined the delivery
The donation from Rissa Kraftlag was part of Fritt Ukraina’s transport number 120 to Zaporizhzhia. In total, the delivery consisted of 11 vehicles, 20 drones and 11 generators for Ukrainian forces.
Magnus Sønsteby, grandson of the well-known Norwegian resistance fighter Gunnar Sønsteby, also took part in the transport.
Magnus Sønsteby visited the military unit of drone commander Yehor in Zaporizhzhia. The unit has named its command base “Gunnar,” after Gunnar Sønsteby, as a token of gratitude for the support from Fritt Ukraina and Norway.
“We share a common goal: 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,” said Magnus Sønsteby after his visit to Ukraine.
See also: Magnus Sønsteby visited the “Gunnar” command base: – My grandfather would have supported Ukraine
Encouraging others to contribute
Per-Arne Sæther encourages both companies and individuals to support the efforts.
“These are small contributions in the bigger picture, but we know they mean a lot to those receiving them. I would encourage both businesses and private individuals to contribute where they can.”
The engagement was also sparked by meeting individuals who have personally traveled to Ukraine.
“I was personally inspired by a private individual who had made several trips there. At the same time, we see that Fritt Ukraina operates in a highly professional and efficient manner, with skilled and dedicated people.”
The war also feels closer than before.
“We have several Ukrainian refugees on Fosen. That brings the war closer to us in many ways,” Sæther concludes.
