Aftenposten was the first report the case Sunday.
Along with friends and acquaintances, the parliamentary politician helped gather equipment and send it to the front lines in the war-torn country.
Frølich himself took part in a trip to Ukraine in September, with his party partner Mahmoud Farahmand, among others.
Among other things, they have delivered reconnaissance drones to the Ukrainian army.
– This is a simple civilian drone that lets Ukraine know if Russia is approaching, and where the danger lies. With these drones, Ukrainian soldiers have the opportunity to save their own lives, Frølich told NRK.
In addition, they have sent, among other things, cars that can evacuate wounded soldiers, and woolen underwear that keeps soldiers warm in cold weather.
After Frølich and a few others decided to help the Ukrainian army last summer, the job was made official that fall.
On 12 October, the organization “Free Ukraine” was founded, with Frølich as its chairman, Aftenposten wrote.
Equipment on its way to the army in Ukraine. Ukrainian volunteers had to help bring him to the front.
Private photo
Chairman of the committee that scrutinizes government
As a Storting politician, Frølich is head of the Storting control committee, which is currently investigating how the government helped Ukraine after the Russian invasion in February 2022.
It is fellow politician Audun Lysbakken from SV who is leading the committee’s investigation into government aid to Ukraine.
Lysbakken is what is called a case manager for control cases.
– How do you assess your scope of action as the head of the control committee that now has this control case, to go to Ukraine and take part in delivering reconnaissance aircraft to the Ukrainian army?
– This is something I do with complete faith and personal conviction. In a war like this, I have no hesitation in sending aid to those fighting in Ukraine.
– It’s about protecting democracy and a rules-based world order. This is the most important dispute of our time, says Frølich.
– We all have to feel for ourselves what we can do. There are no major formal limits on what parliamentary representatives, or committee leaders, can do. As a representative, of course you can be actively involved in this kind of assistance. I’m sure of this.
Straight ahead. This photo was taken right at the border, before they drove onto Ukrainian soil. Peter Frølich is on the far left of the image, while Mahmoud Farahmand is on the right.
Private photo
Got support from a law professor
Jan Frithjof Bernt is professor emeritus at the Law School of the University of Bergen.
The professor is one of Norway’s leading competency experts.
He said representatives of the Storting were not subject to any form of official government powers or restrictions.
– Could Peter Frølich, as chairman of the control committee, make such a trip to Ukraine?
– As far as I’m concerned about this issue, no issues at all. A parliamentarian can be involved in things, both in word and deed, that he thinks are appropriate to deal with, said Bernt.
Even if the control committee were to inspect government aid to Ukraine, Frølich as the committee leader could still go to Ukraine to provide equipment to the Ukrainian army, according to the professor.
– The fact that Frølich has an opinion on a previous question is no different from a politician who may have an opinion on a question in another matter before it is considered in the Storting.
According to him, it is in the role of politicians that they should have the opportunity to be involved in what is happening in society.
– It’s not something marginal or debatable that’s happening here. It’s a very natural part of being voted out, says Bernt.
Jan Frithjof Bernt is a professor emeritus and expert on impartiality.
Photo: Åge Algerøy / NRK
Happy for the commitment
Frølich said it was important for him to show that aid to Ukraine was not a political sign.
After the New Year, they help deliver electricity generators to Ukraine.
They got it from a Norwegian donor. Bergen Engines employees have helped install the power generator.
This is one of the power plants that Peter Frølich and other volunteers sent to Ukraine.
Private photo
– There are many wonderful good people around. You are moved when you see a willingness to give. There are good people across the country who want to help, says Frølich.
Frølich said it has a strong symbolic value for Ukrainians that help is coming.
– This is real proof that they are not alone. The help came from outside. Not just from distant government authorities, but from person to person. They really appreciate it, says Frølich.
A car trip to Ukraine covers about 1,900 kilometers.
“Hardcore zombie fan. Incurable internet advocate. Subtly charming problem solver. Freelance twitter ninja.”
