- Dette innlegget er også tilgjengelig på norsk.
While most Norwegians spent the holiday season with family and festivities, Fritt Ukraina was on the road with its transport number 107, fully loaded with vital equipment for units fighting in the Sumy region and in Pokrovsk. The convoy included ten vehicles, one ATV, 40 thermal drones, and over 500 emergency rations.
– This transport, like all other Fritt Ukraina transports, is incredibly important. It is about delivering essential equipment and vehicles, and about showing a visible presence to those defending the whole of Europe, whether it’s a holiday or an ordinary day. Ukrainians do this every day, and have done so for nearly four years, says Jahn Brusdal Eriksen (29), a volunteer with Fritt Ukraina and one of those who participated in the transport.
Jahn is from Indre Arna. He is a geologist working at M Vest Energy, a company where both the owner and several employees have contributed significant support to Ukraine. Jahn himself, as well as colleagues, have participated in several previous transports.
The equipment was delivered directly to units heading back to the front. Meeting the recipients and delivering directly is crucial both for targeted support and to understand the units’ needs on the ground.
According to Fritt Ukraina’s contact Sasha, conditions in the Sumy region currently include up to one meter of snow, deep winter, and periods when areas are completely impassable for anything other than off-road vehicles, such as the ATVs included in the delivery.
“We’d rather freeze than be bombed”
Another participant was Sverre Andre Sæbø (29), from Eidfjord in Hardanger. He works as a service engineer for ABB and is also active as a volunteer with the Norwegian Red Cross Search and Rescue Corps.
– I was brought in through Jahn. When he said they needed drivers for the transport, I had no doubt about stepping in, even though it was during the holiday period, he says.
– For me, it was very rewarding to deliver equipment directly to those who need it and to hear how they use what we delivered, and why it is so important and vital for them to receive this equipment, Sæbø adds.
Delivering directly to recipients also provides valuable insight back to the organization.
– When we deliver directly to those who need the equipment, we also learn what else they need, what challenges they face, and how we can help even more. At the same time, we show our presence and appreciation for the work they do for all of us, every single day, says Sæbø.
The thermal drones that were delivered have high operational value in the winter conditions at the front. Soldiers report that thermal cameras are effectively the only tools that work in the winter darkness, and they are crucial for both surveillance and personal safety.
In the winter darkness, thermal cameras are the only ones that truly work. Meanwhile, IR sensors have become so effective that soldiers largely avoid using stoves and generators in the trenches.
– Heat emissions make us visible, and we’d rather freeze than risk being detected and bombed, one of the soldiers receiving the equipment said.
Also read: Large drone delivery strengthens the frontline in Ukraine
“The war doesn’t pause for anyone”
The Sumy region, which borders directly on Russia, is regularly subjected to attacks, and the need for mobility, surveillance, and supplies is high, especially during winter.
For Sæbø, participating in his first transport to Ukraine, the on-the-ground meetings left a strong impression.
– It is inspiring to see how motivated they are to defend their country, and the freedom many of us take for granted at home. It is important that we contribute everything we can so they can defend both themselves and the rest of Europe, he says.
The experience has increased his motivation for further engagement.
– As a first-time participant, it was educational to see how important this equipment is for them. It has only given me more motivation to contribute even more going forward, says Sæbø.
– For those fighting, the war doesn’t take a break, not even during Christmas or the holiday season. It’s only natural that we also contribute a little during the holidays. It’s great that Fritt Ukraina never takes a holiday, adds Jahn Brusdal Eriksen.
Transport number 107 is part of Fritt Ukraina’s continuous work to provide concrete, needs-based support to Ukraine, even when deliveries take place during holidays.
Also read: Urgent need for ATVs at the front – mobility is more important than ever