Quartermaster for Ukraine: Swedish Volunteers Strengthen Defence at the Front

From Sweden, medical equipment is coordinated for Ukraine's defence forces. On the ground in Ukraine, Tilde Addenbrooke and Dalle work to deliver what can save lives.

In September 2025, Tilde Addenbrooke received the Ukraine Award from the Swedish government. The prize of 200,000 kronor was presented by Minister for International Development Cooperation Benjamin Dousa at Norrmalmstorg in Stockholm (capital of Sweden) – a recognition of her work in war-torn Ukraine.

"She is indeed risking her own health in this important work. It was a unanimous jury that proposed her for the award," said Dousa at the ceremony.

For Tilde herself, the award was unexpectedly significant. "It is a tremendous honour both for me and my organisation Quartermaster for Ukraine," said Addenbrooke shortly after receiving it.

On the ground where it matters

Together with Dalle, Tilde works and lives on-site in Ukraine. Tilde is responsible for delivering medical supplies directly to the army's medics at the front. Dalle, who runs SWEOD (Swedish Explosive Ordnance Disposal), focuses on training military units about mines and demining. Their joint task is to ensure that the right equipment and knowledge arrive at the right time, often under difficult and dangerous conditions. Nearly 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers have undergone Dalle's training so far.

Quartermaster for Ukraine operates on two fronts: providing tactical medics with high-quality equipment and offering vital training. Each medical bag is consulted with professionals in the field to ensure that the contents meet real needs and are useful in combat situations.

Swedish hands pack for Ukraine

Behind every delivery that reaches Tilde in Ukraine is a team of volunteers in Sweden who pack medical bags. Military personnel, medics, and civilians work voluntarily together in their spare time to get the right equipment. Each bag is packed with care and expertise – for they know that the contents can determine whether someone survives the day.

The founder Jonas Rydin, with a background in the defence industry, early on saw the need for rapid, civilian-organised logistics. His vision was clear: to be both reactive and sustainable, not only providing emergency aid but building capability over time.

Collaborations that make a difference – Snigel

Swedish companies have become important partners in the work. One of them is Snigel, a Swedish company that has been manufacturing tactical equipment for military and police since 1990. Snigel is known for its bags, backpacks, and carrying systems used by defence and security forces worldwide. Their products are designed to withstand extreme conditions and last for years – precisely the type of quality that makes a difference in combat.

Snigel has donated many bags to Quartermaster for Ukraine. In a video clip from the front, a combat medic with the codename Prince is seen with a Snigel backpack: "I really like Snigel's backpacks. They fit everything a medic needs to save lives, and make medics' lives a bit easier and more comfortable."

Snigel learns directly from those who use their equipment. Through the collaboration with Quartermaster for Ukraine, they receive valuable feedback from medics and soldiers at the front. This knowledge is carried forward in the development of new bags and carrying systems – where every detail, from pocket placement to carrying comfort, is shaped by real needs.

"We know that the best improvements happen in dialogue with those who use the products every day. We take their insights into our product development," says Malin Hlawatsch, CEO of Snigel.

About Quartermaster for Ukraine

The organisation is run entirely by volunteers and is supported by individuals and companies who want to make a tangible difference. For Tilde, Dalle, and all the volunteers in Sweden, it is about more than logistics – it is about giving Ukraine's defenders a better chance to survive and continue defending their country.