Mikhail Izyumtsev was born in Russia, but has lived in Kristiansund for many years. His parents are from Ukraine, and this is where he spent many of his childhood years.
On Friday night, he decided to help those who are now able to escape from the war-torn country. Now he and several others plan to drive to the border of Ukraine to bring as many as they can to Norway.
– So far we have a list of 60 to 70 people that we have room for, but there are many more who say they want to sit on to Norway, he says.
In less than a day, Mikhail has managed to collect a total of nine cars. Three of them are ordinary cars, the rest are larger cars such as minibuses and station wagons.
– We get more and more people who say they have cars available, or who are willing to rent cars, he says.
– CORRECTION: There are many who want to help retrieve refugees who need help. Here are some of the cars driving in procession down to Ukraine Photo: Private
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Mikhail and the others who are on the trip have plans to help as many as they can. Therefore, they will stay at the border for about four days.
– When we arrive, we plan to drive as many as possible to the nearest airport, where we will buy airline tickets for refugees who have someone to live with in Norway. In that way, we hope to be able to help as many people as possible, he explains.
Although they have a plan ready for what to do when they arrive at the border with Ukraine, they are not quite sure what they may encounter.
– We have to see how the situation is when we get there. We have our list of those we have agreed to help, but we expect that there will be more, says Izyumstev.
Get the latest news about the Ukraine invasion in TV 2’s live center here
More and more people are volunteering
Izyumtsev posted on the Facebook group “Ukrainians in Norway” on Friday that he and a friend plan to drive down to the border of Ukraine to help those who have managed to get out of the country.
– CONCERNED: Izyumtsev is very worried about the civilians in Ukraine. Photo: Private
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– We will pick them up in several different places on the Ukrainian border. We go where they are, says Izyumtsev.
What first started with Izyumtsev and a friend quickly grew to eight people. When TV 2 spoke to the initiator on Saturday afternoon, the plan was to begin the long journey that evening.
– We expect to spend at least a day and a half down to the border. We are unsure of the situation we will face down in Europe, so we are prepared for the trip to take a few days, he says.
– I get messages from people every hour who say they can join the drive, to help those who need it.
In the first instance, they plan to pick up those who already have friends and family in Norway, with whom they can stay pending answers to any asylum applications.
– We plan to drive several times, to help as many people as possible. Now, in the first instance, we prioritize the women and children who have someone in Norway they can live with, we also see how many more times we can drive, says Izyumtsev.
– There are already many who say they want to dispose of apartments, houses or that they have an extra bedroom available. There are very many who show up, he says.
– It is humanity
Dima Yampolsky (36) is one of those who has volunteered to help. He received a message on Friday if he could consider driving to the border to help the people on the run.
– We must help families, friends and others who need help, says Yampolsky.
He explains that they have been given a list of who they should pick up at the border. He is happy that people now want to help those in need.
– DEMONSTRATES: Yampolsky was at a demonstration outside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Oslo on Saturday. Photo: Private
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– It is very good that people want to drive and spend their time. It is humanity, Yampolsky believes.
He says that he will bring clothes, warm blankets and food in the car to those who will ride with him home to Norway.
– We must help those in need, he says.
Expect big expenses
Initiator Izyumtsev states that they have already spent a number of sums on preparing cars for the trip.
– In Germany, for example, studded tires are not allowed, and two of our cars had studded tires. Therefore, we had to quickly buy new tires and get them replaced, he says.
In addition, they have plans to bring the essentials down to the border, such as blankets, clothes and first aid equipment.
– We have collected clothes for women and children, in addition we have gone to the purchase of painkillers and bandages, says Izyuntsev.
– READY: Large quantities of clothing and other necessary items have been collected Photo: Private
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They have already put together a good deal, in addition to child seats. Now Izyumtsev says they need support for the trip down.
– We will drive a long way, and there will be large expenses for fuel. Now we need all the support we can get. In addition to fuel, the cars will probably have to be repaired after the long drive.
He says that they are happy with every penny that comes in.
– So far we have received 14544 kroner. They are used for fuel, and everything is of course documented with bank statements and receipts, he says.
In addition to the funds raised, they plan to use their personal finances to buy airline tickets and hotel accommodation for those on the border.
– Many have been in line for 20 hours, and are very tired. Therefore, we plan to find housing for those who need it in Poland or possibly a hotel stay, before they fly on to Norway, says Izyumstev.
Awaiting refugee flow
A larger influx of refugees is expected after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. How many will come to Norway is so far unknown, but a number of our largest municipalities informed TV 2 on Friday that they are ready to receive war-stricken Ukrainians.
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre announced on Friday that Norway, together with the EU, will work together to seek a common solution to the refugee flow that arises in light of Russia’s invasion.
– We are positive and open to assisting with a distribution of refugees, within a European cooperation, Støre said.
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