Sweden, with its policy of armed neutrality, has not been involved in hostilities since the Napoleonic era more than 200 years ago. But now, conservative Minister of Civil Defense Carl-Oskar Bohlin is warning Sweden about the possibility of conflict with Russia as it urges the population to join volunteer defense organizations. (Related: Germany to permanently deploy 4,800 troops in Lithuania – the first German foreign troop deployment since World War II.)
"There could be war in Sweden," said Bohlin during an annual defense conference in Sweden on Sunday, Jan. 7, as he warned Swedes against being complacent. "Who are you if war comes?"
"Russia's war against Ukraine is a step, not an end goal," claimed Supreme Commander of the Swedish Armed Forces Gen. Per Micael Byden. "For the ambition [of Moscow is] to establish spheres of influence and tear down the rule-based world order."
Echoing Bohlin, Byden noted how Swedes need to "mentally prepare for war." During his speech, he showed the mostly Swedish crowd pictures of burnt-out and bombed houses in Ukraine and asked the audience: "Do you believe that this could be Sweden?"
Sweden ending military neutrality by aligning with NATO
Sweden ended two centuries of neutrality and military non-alignment in 2022 when it applied to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). In early December last year, Stockholm signed a pact with the United States to eventually pave the way for American forces to operate in Sweden.
Sweden has also committed to sending "ground combat units" to take part in NATO operations along the Russian border.
While the country waits for accession to NATO, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said Stockholm will participate in NATO operations in Latvia on the military bloc's eastern frontier.
"Sweden and its neighbors are living in the direct shadow of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. But Russia's threats, disinformation and cyberattacks are an attempt to destabilize the whole of Europe," said Kristersson. Reports indicate that around 800 Swedish soldiers supported by armored vehicles will be deployed to Latvia by early 2025 to join the Canadian-led NATO battalion in the Baltic nation.
At home, more and more young Swedes are stating that they are ready to defend their country, with some openly sharing their eagerness to be conscripted. Since 2017, Sweden has had partial conscription for both men and women.
"I am prepared to fight for my country if needed, and although I wasn't conscripted when I was younger, I am ready to do my bit," said Lukas Stahl, 25, a sandwich shop worker from Sodermanland in the Swedish southeast. "In Sweden, you can be called into service up until the age of 30, so I have five years left and I am more than willing to protect our people."
"I am the right age for conscription and the ideal candidate, but I haven't been selected yet," said Dino Fors, 19, from central Stockholm. "If I get called up then so be it. I will happily defend my country… I think Putin will be making a big mistake if he does attack Sweden as we have lots of powerful friends."
"Of course, I would be prepared to fight for my country. Why wouldn't I?" said Yngue Ericsson, 27, a carpenter in Stockholm. "You should fight if your freedom is threatened. Putin is just a bully and he deserves to be treated like one."
The Swedish government noted that around 28,000 young Swedes will be conscripted into the armed forces this year, far more than in the last few years due to previous shortfalls in recruitment.
People called up for conscription and have completed their nine to 12 months of mandatory service will be placed in the reserves and could be called up for any potential military conflict for the next 10 years or until they turn 47.
Watch this clip from "Vantage with Palki Sharma" as she reports on Sweden bracing for the possibility of a war against Russia.
This video is from the High Hopes channel on Brighteon.com.
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