Chief of Defence Eirik Kristoffersen congratulates Fritt Ukraina on being awarded the Sønsteby Prize. He points to the organisation as a role model for how voluntary engagement, industry, and military needs can be more closely aligned.
The Sønsteby Prize 2026 is awarded to Fritt Ukraina. Pictures from the ceremony at Akershus Fortress January 9 2026.
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.
Ukraine’s defenders depend on mobility to survive and carry out their missions. Across the front, ATVs have become indispensable for evacuation, resupply, reconnaissance, and rapid movement in terrain where ordinary vehicles cannot operate. Fritt Ukraina has already delivered a substantial number of ATVs to frontline units, but the need continues to grow.
Transport number 105 from Fritt Ukraina delivered drones and vehicles of significant value to units in Lviv and Kyiv. The delivery included both small and large drones, as well as vehicles, exactly what is most urgently needed on the battlefield right now.
Through a strong collaboration between the Ålesund Business Association and Fritt Ukraina, the local business community has raised nearly 1.5 million Norwegian kroner (approximately USD 145,000). This funding has made it possible to send the first boat, a fully renovated and well-equipped 25-foot aluminum vessel, to the Ukrainian Navy.
Through the “Odin’s Ravens” project, Ukrainian military pilots and aircrews have received enhanced safety support. Fritt Ukraina has financed a comprehensive delivery of vehicles and rescue equipment for Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) missions following helicopter and aircraft crashes. The project has been implemented by the Ukrainian organization Come Back Alive and fully funded by Fritt Ukraina.
Fritt Ukraina has delivered two fully equipped medical containers to Ukrainian forces. The units are designed to provide rapid and secure surgical treatment extremely close to the front line, where both military units and traditional field hospitals are exposed to continuous artillery and precision strikes. The delivery strengthens emergency medical capacity where the need is greatest.
In just two weeks, Fritt Ukraina delivered life-saving equipment to several of the most active units on the Ukrainian front. The shipment included vehicles, drones, Starlink equipment, and large power banks, and went to units that Fritt Ukraina has closely supported over time. Key partners such as Support Ukraine and Robymo also played an important role in making the delivery possible.
Fritt Ukraina was recently awarded the Sønsteby Prize 2026. Shortly after, the organization visited a Ukrainian command center at the frontline, named “Gunnar” in honor of Gunnar Sønsteby—a Norwegian resistance fighter during World War II known for his leadership and courage—and the Norwegian support for Ukraine’s fight for freedom.