Sweden’s citizens must be prepared for a possible outbreak of war, Civil Defense Minister Karl-Oscar Bullin warned during a defense conference.
“There could be a war in Sweden and all Swedes must act to strengthen the country’s resilience,” said Commander-in-Chief of the Swedish Armed Forces Mikael Büden and Minister of Civil Defense Karl-Oscar Bolin, Sweden’s tv4 reported.
“The situation is not gloomy, but it is very serious. All citizens must prepare for war in Sweden. On an individual level, you must prepare yourself mentally,” said Commander-in-Chief of the Swedish Armed Forces Mikael Büden.
His comments do not suggest the literal start of war any time soon, but they do imply that the possibility of one exists after two centuries of neutrality.
Almost two years after the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, they coincide with a time when Sweden is moving closer to NATO membership. Along with Finland, it changed its policy of neutrality after the start of the war, but its candidacy still depends on the approval of the parliament in Turkey.
The minister drew attention to the “mental defense mechanisms” that still allow many to conclude that the “cruelties of war and terrorism” are far away. “For a country for which peace has been a pleasant companion for almost 210 years,” the idea is convenient.
“Many have said it before me, but let me say it in an official capacity, more simply and quite clearly: There may be a war,” said the conference statement quoted on the site, made (judging by the address) to the king and other representatives of the monarchy, ministers, ambassadors and others.
“My main intention is not to affect your fear, but how you perceive the situation,” he continues. “I want to open a door: a door that is often closed and blocked by the demands and challenges of everyday life.”
A clarification from the army followed, which was essentially indistinguishable from the alarmist tone of the government. “Everything is serious and it could get even worse – even for us,” said the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, Michael Büden. According to him, it is necessary for everyone to prepare “morally, on an individual level” for the war.
2024-01-09 10:01:00
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