Sweden braces for potential Russian intrusion, minister calls for citizen preparedness

Over the past year, the security situation in the country has deteriorated due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Moscow's rapid rearmament should be taken very seriously. Swedish Minister of Civil Defense, Carl-Oskar Bohlin, warned about the escalation of war during a Sunday conference.

In his address, reported by "Expressen," Bohlin directly appealed to the nation, urging all citizens to "have the courage and strength to accept the reality that war could also impact Sweden".

As Bohlin emphasized at the defense conference on Sunday, accepting the possibility of sudden changes and emerging threats from an aggressor might be difficult for a nation that has enjoyed 210 years of peace. Nonetheless, it is crucial to face this idea and prepare for it.

The government, with the cooperation of local authorities, the National Health and Social Care Council, businesses, and other organizations is presently drafting an action plan for potential warfare to ensure "society can continue to function". However, according to Carl-Oskar Bohlin, all Swedes aged between 16 and 70 are now obligated to prepare – they must be ready to defend the country in case of an attack.

"There is a need for full readiness so that people are not helpless in the event of war," he emphasized.