After 2,000 kilometers on the road, day and night, author Roy Jacobsen and former top diplomat Morten Wetland have helped deliver equipment to Ukraine’s defense forces. They believe the world must take a step – before it’s too late.

– I usually say that is better Do little, than means a lot, writer Roy Jacobsen told VG.

He had just returned from a long journey.

Together with the Norwegian voluntary organization “Free Ukraine”, 12 people from Norway, distributed among seven pickups, an SUV, a van and a large trailer, have carried out a massive delivery of equipment to the defense of Ukraine.

The handover took place in the city of Lviv, Ukraine, near the border with Poland, two weeks ago.

The equipment will be delivered directly to the front lines in eastern Ukraine, helping Ukrainian soldiers themselves believe they now need it most.

Among those who received the equipment were the Ukrainian army’s 53rd mechanized brigade, which was operating in the midst of the particularly bloody battle for Bakhmut.

The donations are extensive:

• 16 cars were intended for use at the front.
• 32 observation drones.
• 4,000 army boots.
• A generator.
• 10 advanced radio sets.
• Soldier clothes.

“Got to pop a finger”

For acclaimed author and award winner Roy Jacobsen, this was something he felt absolutely right to do.

Throughout 2022, as he follows the developments in the Ukraine war, he feels a growing need to do something concrete.

– I can’t remember in my life that I was so upset about something that was happening around us. Resentment at the slow response from Norway welled up within me. More people need to stick their fingers out, he said.

He knew that his friend, former top diplomat Morten Wetland, was involved in Free Ukraine, which had made several similar shipments to the country.

The Norwegian organization currently has more than 1,000 members and billionaires Trond Mohn and Christian Ringnes are among its donors.

Jacobsen decided to contribute physically with the organization’s next delivery. It happened in mid-March.

From Germany, Jacobsen’s wife, writer Anneliese Pitz, sat in the driver’s seat, while he kept in touch with others in the communications column.

On the border with Ukraine, they could see miles of trailers waiting to cross with goods into the war-torn country.

– Crossing into Ukraine feels good and right. We provide the equipment requested by the army itself. Meeting the recipients, and seeing their courage and passion, made a strong impression. Damn how strong they were, said Jacobsen.

– Something concrete to contribute

By Jacobsen’s side during the mission were his old friend Morten Wetland and his wife.

Wetland is a former secretary of state for Ap, ambassador to Germany and UN ambassador – and thus also has extensive experience in diplomatic contacts with Russia.

– I am among the many people who simply do not believe that Russia is actually going to launch a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. I just don’t see the logic that this can lead to something positive for Russia, he told VG.

Over the spring of last year, he grew increasingly irritated by politicians who, nationally and internationally, used what Wetland called “empty words against Russia”.

– Most of Norway continues as if nothing had happened, he said and continued:

– I must admit that I didn’t make a big deal myself at first, but then the idea of ​​a Free Ukraine played even more. Finally, there is something concrete that I can contribute, he said.

The soldiers say what they need

It is Conservative politician Peter Frølich who is the chairman and promoter of Fritt Ukraine.

Frølich also heads the Storting Constitutional and Control Committee, which last week unanimously criticized the government for being slow to deal with Ukraine in the first phase of the war.

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre (Ap) and Health Minister Ingvild Kjerkol (Ap) criticized the long processing times themselves and changed the routine afterward.

Frølich emphasized that his intention with the Ukraine job was not to make any “political points”. He has repeatedly said that the current government is doing a lot for Ukraine.

– I try to balance these two roles as best I can, and Free Ukraine is not a political project. Members and promoters are a mix of people from very different party backgrounds, which I am very proud of and which I find important, he said.

Frølich says that the idea of ​​organization came about when he, like several others, felt an “urge to do something”.

– You have never been stronger than your network. We managed to gather support from people with big wallets and warm hearts. That’s very helpful. This is what made the work of the Free Ukraine possible.

The politician was finally introduced to the deputy mayor of Lviv, a city in the far west of Ukraine, on the border with Poland.

He put them in touch with army units fighting on the fronts in the east of the country.

– It is important for us to provide only the equipment that the soldiers themselves say they need. In that way, the equipment actually comes in handy, says Frølich.

Ukrainian Politician: – No bullshit

The deputy mayor of Lviv, Serhiy Kiral, told VG in an interview that Fritt Ukraine’s concrete delivery method worked.

– Free Ukraine diligently carries with it only the equipment necessary for the defense of the country, its freedom and democracy. We can document that all equipment that is delivered actually ends up with the end user – defenders of Ukraine.

The Ukrainian politician said he was proud of the cooperation with Norway.

– I like their “no bullshit”, targeted response, and focus on what really applies and is needed. This work is necessary to move closer to a victory, which can ultimately create peace and security in Europe and the world, he said.