Swedish Defence Committee Warns of Russian Threat and Potential Military Attack

Sweden’s Defence Committee Warns of Russian Threat and Possibility of Military Attack

STOCKHOLM, June 19 – The Swedish parliamentary defence committee has issued a report stating that the country’s defence must focus on the threat posed by Russia, and that a military attack cannot be ruled out. The committee, which is supported by security experts and deals with major security policy issues, highlighted Russia’s aggressive actions and its lowered threshold for military use of force as reasons for concern.

The report also warned that the conflict in Ukraine could escalate into attacks on other countries, and even the use of nuclear weapons or other mass-destruction arms. Committee chairman and Moderate Party MP Hans Wallmark emphasized that the preconditions for Swedish defence policy have fundamentally changed, and that Swedish citizens need to be aware of the consequences.

Sweden has been working to strengthen its defences and applied to join NATO last year in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. However, its entry into the Western alliance has been held up by Turkey and Hungary. Like many Western states, Sweden reduced its defence capabilities after the end of the Cold War, but has been increasing military spending in recent years. The country is expected to meet NATO’s threshold of 2% GDP by 2026.

The committee’s report called for Swedish security and defence policy to be designed to address the long-term threat that Russia poses to European and global security. It also stated that an armed attack against Sweden cannot be ruled out.

Deliberations will now begin to establish long-term defence plans, including spending, with a final committee report expected in April next year. Joining NATO would mean a departure from Sweden’s long-standing formal neutrality, although the country has been training alongside NATO forces for years. Sweden’s eastern neighbor, Finland, was admitted to NATO in April after applying alongside Sweden in response to the Ukraine war.

Reporting by Niklas Pollard, Johan Ahlander, and Anna Ringstrom; editing by David Evans and Mark Heinrich

swedish military intelligence

Title: Sweden’s Defence Committee Raises Alarm about Russian Threat and Potential Military Attack

In a recent report, the Swedish parliamentary defence committee has drawn attention to the growing threat posed by Russia and has highlighted the possibility of a military attack. Backed by security experts and responsible for major security policy issues, the committee expressed concerns about Russia’s aggressive actions and its willingness to use military force more readily.

The committee’s report goes further to caution that the ongoing conflict in Ukraine could potentially escalate into attacks on other nations, including the use of nuclear weapons or other forms of mass destruction. Committee chairman, Hans Wallmark, who is a member of the Moderate Party, stressed that the conditions under which Swedish defence policy operates have fundamentally changed, and that it is crucial for Swedish citizens to be aware of the potential consequences.

In response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Sweden has been actively working to bolster its defence capabilities and sought to join NATO. However, its bid for NATO membership has encountered obstacles due to objections from Turkey and Hungary. Despite this setback, Sweden has been steadily increasing its military spending in recent years and is projected to meet NATO’s requirement of allocating 2% of its GDP to defence by 2026.

The committee’s report calls for the development of Swedish security and defence policies that specifically address the long-term threat posed by Russia to Europe and global security. Additionally, it emphasizes that the possibility of an armed attack on Sweden cannot be disregarded.

Moving forward, discussions will be initiated to establish long-term defence plans, including budget allocations. A final committee report is anticipated to be released in April of next year. It is important to note that joining NATO would represent a departure from Sweden’s longstanding policy of formal neutrality. Nevertheless, Sweden has been actively training alongside NATO forces for numerous years. In fact, Sweden’s neighboring country, Finland, was admitted to NATO in April, having applied for membership alongside Sweden in response to the Ukraine conflict.

In conclusion, the Swedish parliamentary defence committee’s report serves as a critical warning regarding the Russian threat and the potential for a military attack. Sweden is actively adapting its defence policies and seeking to strengthen its capabilities in order to address this evolving security landscape.