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For Caroline Nordengrip (43), actions are more important than words. That is why the right-wing populist Swedish Democrat MP decided after four years in parliament to move to Ukraine and fight Russia on the frontline. It was clear to her that her help would be needed on the battlefield, not in politics.
This change of heart began just days after Russia attacked Ukraine. “The Ukrainian ambassador was in Sweden and told what happened,” Nordengrip said in an interview with Radio Swoboda. She remembers that moment well. “I looked at myself, at my expensive suit, and I thought: ‘What am I doing here? I’m a soldier!’» continues the Swede.
Nordengrip is a veteran. At the age of 15 she joined the Swedish army and began her training. At the age of 19, she did 11 months of military service and then joined the National Guard.
It’s heading to the front lines “soon”.
Out of personal conviction, she now turns her back on life in parliament and waives a salary of 7,000 euros a month. For a week she has all the necessary papers to work under the same conditions as the Ukrainians.
Nordengrip is part of the new 47th Assault Brigade. “As a rule, we protect certain areas or objects that are important.” According to her statement, the brigade will soon be on the front line. Now that all the bureaucratic hurdles have been cleared and her ‘boys’ – as she calls the soldiers – have completed their training, it can begin.
Ukrainians learn quickly
Working in the Ukrainian army is different from working in your own country. The Swedes who trained Nordengrip had years of experience. “The soldiers I train now have never been in the army,” she explains. “They learn quickly and really want to learn something.” The Swede is learning the Ukrainian language with the language learning app Duolingo.
The ex-politician admires the courage of the Ukrainians. “Keep fighting. Ukraine is a beautiful country worth fighting for. That’s why I’m still here,” said the Swede. Still, she has a message for Swedish politics: “Keep supporting us! Help is urgently needed to continue the fight.”
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
