How a Norwegian media colleague’s initiative supports regional media in Ukraine
On 1 July, a charity initiative to support independent journalism in Ukraine will kick off — a 450 km walk from Oslo to Bergen. The initiator, an experienced media professional, seeks to honour the resilience of Ukrainian regional journalists who risk their lives every day for the sake of truth through this physical challenge.
All funds raised will be donated to the Association of Independent Regional Press Publishers of Ukraine (AIRPPU) to purchase equipment and provide direct support to editorial offices.
This July, a unique charity campaign will be launched to support Ukrainian regional journalists. Its initiator is Nils Ove Håland Riise, a Norwegian media professional who has worked in the media industry for many years.
He is setting off on a walking tour from Oslo to Bergen to draw attention to the work of Ukrainian journalists in frontline regions and raise funds to support them.
“This is something quite personal to me,” says Nils. “I’ve spent much of my career working with newspapers, and I’ve long admired the work Oksana Brovko and her team are doing. But this time, I wanted to support them in a different way — not through media work, but by putting myself physically into something that reflects their resilience.”
How the idea was born
The idea came up during a meeting at the World News Media Congress 2025 in Kraków. There, Nils shared his plans with AIRPPU CEO Oksana Brovko. At first glance, the idea seemed crazy, but it resonated with her.
“I’ve long dreamed of doing this route. And supporting Ukrainian journalists seemed like a worthy cause to combine it with,” explains the author of the initiative.
Goal and targeted support
Fundraising is taking place through a dedicated donation page. All funds raised will go towards equipment and direct assistance to regional journalists in Ukraine. Such support may now be vitally important.
“Journalists in Ukraine’s regions demonstrate extraordinary courage and determination every day. They work in dangerous and unpredictable conditions, continuing to tell the truth. And without truth, there is no democracy,” emphasises Nils Riise.
Details of the trip
The route is challenging: about 450 kilometres between the two Norwegian cities, Oslo and Bergen.
The start date is 1 July. The participant will spend most nights in a tent and will regularly share updates on social media, including LinkedIn.
“This hike is my small tribute to the resilience I see in the work of Ukrainian journalists. And an attempt to tell a wider audience about it.”
Follow the updates and join in.
The fundraising page is hosted on the GoFundMe platform.
Anyone interested can follow the progress of the initiative on social media, including on Nils’s page. We will also report on the results. Follow the updates on our website, as well as on our Facebook and Instagram pages.
