- Dette innlegget er også tilgjengelig på norsk.
The family of John Øyvind Livden has donated two vehicles to the Ukrainian air defence unit Air Defence West. The donation is financed through funds raised following the passing of the well-known volunteer in December.
“Dad had a strong commitment to Ukraine. Through Fritt Ukraina, he was able to contribute in a very concrete way. His heart stopped unexpectedly, and he passed away on 8 December 2025, aged 58,” says his son, John Håvard Livden.
John Øyvind Livden was a key contributor to Fritt Ukraina and known for his strong dedication to delivering support to the front. His efforts are now being carried forward through a donation that is quickly put to use where the need is greatest.
His engagement was also evident during his lifetime. In connection with the 20th anniversary of Gullfjell Consulting, where he served as managing director, he initiated a fundraiser that resulted in a donated pickup truck to the front in Ukraine.
Through a fundraising campaign, more than NOK 50,000 was collected, and the vehicle was delivered as part of Fritt Ukraina’s transport number 97, together with several vehicles and drones for Ukrainian units.
John Øyvind Livden personally took part in seven deliveries to Ukraine and was committed to ensuring that support was tangible and reached the intended recipients.
“In our family, it was decided early on that we wanted to raise a memorial donation for Fritt Ukraina. The response was overwhelming and resulted in two vehicles. The cars needed drivers, and we were asked to travel to Ukraine. It was a great honour to be asked, and at the same time a practical way to contribute. My cousin Lars Andreas and I did this together,” says John Håvard Livden.
“When John Håvard asked if we should travel together to Ukraine to see what the memorial donation for uncle John Øyvind would go towards, I immediately felt this was something I wanted to take part in. I knew he had been engaged with Fritt Ukraina and had travelled there on several occasions to deliver vehicles,” says Lars Andreas Livden.
Protecting Lviv
The vehicles that have now been donated will go to Air Defence West, responsible for air defence in Western Ukraine, including around Lviv, a city both John Øyvind and many other volunteers have visited numerous times.
Air Defence West is part of an increasing support of air defence, where mobility is crucial for operating effectively against drone attacks. Both vehicles will carry John Øyvind’s name.
The war in Ukraine has largely become a drone war, where both surveillance and attacks are carried out continuously from the air. This has created a need for new and more flexible solutions, including the use of interceptor drones and electronic drone protection as supplements to traditional air defence systems.
Vehicles play a central role in this structure. They enable rapid movement of equipment and personnel and make it possible to operate close to the front line.
“He taught us to engage and contribute”
“For us, it was a powerful experience to take part in the delivery. One of the strengths of Fritt Ukraina is that the needs are well mapped, and the funds are quickly converted into equipment. We were able to look the receiving unit in the eye, knowing the vehicles would be put to use immediately. For us, this was about contributing, just as our father did. We also met several of our father’s Norwegian and Ukrainian friends he got to know through his engagement. He was someone who truly saw the people he met, and we had the chance to meet some of them,” John Håvard Livden says.
“What became clear in conversations with my uncle was that he had developed a deep compassion and commitment to the Ukrainian people and their struggle. At the same time, this long felt quite distant to me. After taking part in a delivery myself, I now better understand how and why he developed such engagement,” says Lars Andreas.
“In hindsight, I think it is meaningful that the vehicles delivered in memory of John Øyvind came with two stand-ins. He told us about Ukraine, now we got to see it for ourselves. When the war began, he felt a need to act. The needs are great, and many small contributions make a difference. He has taught us the importance of stepping up and contributing when it matters. We agree that this experience has awakened something in us as well.” Lars Andreas adds.
“Following in my uncle’s footsteps has changed some of my perspectives and given me new reflections on the war,” says Lars Andreas.
“Gaining greater insight into the challenges they face, understanding the importance of international support, and realising that the distance is not as great as one might think are all lasting impressions from the delivery. In addition, the human encounters made a strong impact and gave him great respect for those fighting to protect their country, their families, and their people,” Lars Andreas adds.
The donation thus continues John Øyvind’s legacy, defined by action and concrete support.
“We are certain the vehicles would have made Dad proud. Our family would like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to the memorial donation in connection with the funeral,” says John Håvard.
Delivery number 120
The trip that John Håvard and Lars Andreas Livden took part in was Fritt Ukraina’s delivery number 120, consisting of eleven vehicles, drones, and high-capacity power banks. Also part of this transport was Magnus Sønsteby, grandson of the well-known resistance fighter Gunnar Sønsteby. He continued onward to Zaporizhzhia, where he visited the drone command post “Gunnar,” named after his grandfather.
See John Øyvind Livden’s greeting from Mars Fields in Lviv
Images from John Øyvind Livden’s final trip in October 2025
