Norwegian MP Peter Frølich admits illegal drone smuggling to Ukraine in 2023
MP Peter Frølich said he knowingly broke a 1950s customs law to send thermal drones to Ukraine, arguing it was justified at the time.
Storting representative Peter Frølich disclosed that he deliberately violated a decades-old customs regulation to deliver thermal imaging drones to Ukraine in 2023. The effort, organized through the NGO Fritt Ukraina, first attempted to use the Kiel ferry but was stopped by Tolletaten. After failing to obtain a response from the Norwegian government, Frølich proceeded, arguing that delays could endanger Ukrainian soldiers.
He later told NRK that the incident led to a rapid government review, resulting in amended rules that now permit commercial drones to be shipped to Ukraine without breaking the law. While he does not encourage others to break the law, he maintains the action was morally right in that specific context.
Why it matters
The case shows how individual actions can influence national policy on military aid.
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