Sweden was put on high alert this week after the army and defence chiefs warned that war with Russia was a real possibility. The news comes as the Scandinavian country is waiting to be officially accepted into NATO this year.
Sweden’s Civil Defence Minister Carl-Oskar Bohlin said: “Many have said it before me, but let me say it with the force of my office – there could be a war in Sweden.”
Mr Bohlin stressed to Swedes that a similar effort would be required as that of the ‘total resilience’ of Ukraine, as it battles against the full-scale invasion by Russia.
Commander-in-Chief Micael Byden echoed the severity of the situation and said: “This is a very serious situation, and the clarity yesterday was unmistakable.
“It is now about moving from words and understanding to action.”
Mr Byden stressed the urgency of Sweden’s acceptance into NATO, so that if war did break out the country would be well defended against its aggressors.
He added citizens should assess how prepared they would be to weather any invasion, and to prepare mentally: “Look at the news from Ukraine and ask yourself the simple questions: If this happens here, am I prepared? What should I do? The more people who have thought, considered and prepared, the stronger our society will be.”
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In response to the escalating situation, the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) has been tasked with aiding essential authorities and companies in building their wartime organisation.
Additionally, the government aims to conduct an analysis to enhance the security of health product supplies.
