In recent developments, fundraising efforts by the NAFO (North Atlantic Fellas Organization) have shifted away from the social media platform X, previously known as Twitter, moving to more secure communication channels like Discord, Signal, and Telegram. This decision comes in response to increasing concerns about the platform’s growing prevalence of Russian bots and pro-Kremlin accounts following its acquisition by Elon Musk. A UK-based contributor to the movement expressed to WIRED that many users feel compelled to leave X due to these issues, yet the platform remains a significant battleground in the fight for information and support.
Ragnar Sass, a key figure in the NAFO initiative, leads the NAFO 69th Sniffing Brigade, which has successfully raised over $10 million in support of Ukrainian military efforts. The funds have facilitated the dispatch of more than 460 vehicles and over 1,000 drones to Ukrainian troops, along with essential equipment and the remarkable rescue of at least 32 pets belonging to Ukrainian soldiers. Sass’s brigade exemplifies a proactive approach to aiding Ukraine, especially as traditional entities like NATO are perceived to respond at a sluggish pace during wartime scenarios.
Sass’s operations extend beyond financial donations; his team customizes each vehicle, outfitting them with advanced military technologies, including jammers and night vision equipment. These vehicles, emblazoned with NAFO insignia, form convoys that deliver critical supplies directly to the front lines. He highlighted to WIRED that a key differentiator for their efforts is their weekly analysis of the most effective electronic warfare solutions, positioning them as agile and responsive compared to conventional organizations that may lag in their operations.
The Estonian entrepreneur, who co-founded the cloud-based software company Pipedrive—valued at over $1 billion in 2020—brought his extensive experience to support Ukraine, having been involved in the region for more than ten years. At the onset of the war in early 2022, Sass initiated his charitable contributions with a personal donation of $20,000, which quickly attracted additional support, culminating in a total of $200,000 by the end of that day. By March 2022, he had organized the first convoy featuring 14 vehicles, establishing a direct line of support to Ukrainian forces, and subsequently allied with NAFO.
To incentivize donations, Sass’s organization offers a special patch to contributors providing over €100 ($110), leading to the distribution of over 10,000 patches to supporters across more than 50 countries. This innovative fundraising strategy underscores the necessity of swift action in times of crisis, particularly when traditional channels are perceived as ineffective.
Commenting on the operational advantages of the NAFO brigade, Sass stated, “We are the fastest and most effective.” He cited a campaign he led where they successfully mobilized resources within a mere few days. This quick response is indicative of the challenges faced by established organizations like NATO, whose procurement methods may not align with the urgent needs observed in modern conflict scenarios, particularly highlighting the pivotal role of drone technology in contemporary warfare.
The urgency and adaptability demonstrated by groups like the NAFO raise pertinent questions about the efficacy of traditional support systems within geopolitical conflicts. While the initial target has been the support of Ukraine in response to aggression, the implications for broader cybersecurity responses remain significant. The attack vectors utilized by adversaries, potentially employing tactics categorized under the MITRE ATT&CK framework such as initial access, persistence, and privilege escalation, highlight the multifaceted challenges in safeguarding critical infrastructure and information in these tumultuous times. The actions of organizations like NAFO could serve as a model for rapid response in similar cyber and security contexts, emphasizing the necessity of agility in crisis management.
