Sweden’s civil society is being urged to prepare for the possibility of a war with Russia, despite its recent decision to join NATO. Carl-Oskar Bohlin, Sweden’s Civil Defense Minister, emphasized the importance of being self-sufficient in the face of potential conflict with Russia. He praised Ukraine’s resilience in the face of Russian aggression and highlighted the need for Sweden to follow suit.
Even though Sweden is now a member of NATO and has the protection of the U.S. nuclear umbrella, Bohlin pointed out that Ukraine’s example demonstrates the importance of a resilient society in deterring foreign aggression. In light of Russia’s war in Ukraine, Swedish officials have updated a brochure that advises households to stockpile food and supplies in case of war.
Bohlin warned in a speech that war could potentially come to Sweden and stressed the importance of practical preparation for civil defense. He called for contingency planning across all sectors of Swedish society to ensure the country’s total defense capabilities. This includes everything from essential services to childcare for military personnel.
The focus on civil defense is seen as a crucial component of Sweden’s overall defense strategy, aiming to create a strong and adaptable defense posture. While acknowledging the protection provided by NATO, Bohlin emphasized the need for Sweden to be able to fend for itself in any potential conflict with Russia.
Overall, the message is clear: Sweden must be prepared for the possibility of war and take practical steps to ensure its readiness to defend itself if the need arises.
