Sweden and Finland prepare populations for survival in conditions of armed attack

Photo: Carl Oskar Bohlin

Swedish authorities began sending out millions of brochures on Monday containing advice on how to behave in conditions of a possible war. Meanwhile, a new website has been created in Finland, the development of which is linked to Russia's ongoing full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Recall that after it began, Finland and Sweden abandoned their decades-long policy of non-alignment in the military sphere and joined NATO.

“The security situation is serious, and we all need to strengthen our resilience to withstand various crises and, ultimately, war,”— said Michael Frisel, director of the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) (which sent out the above-mentioned brochures), Agence France-Presse reports.  

Since the end of the Cold War, Sweden has cut defense spending, focusing its military efforts on international peacekeeping missions.

The change in course began after Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014.

Limited conscription was reintroduced and defense spending was significantly increased. A garrison was stationed on the Baltic Sea island of Gotland.

Later, air-raid shelters were strengthened, drinking water was stockpiled, and transport infrastructure was developed. A minister of civil defense was appointed and a psychological defense agency was established to combat disinformation.

The 32-page booklet, titled "If Crisis or War Happens," which will be sent out starting Monday, provides information on how to deal with a military conflict, natural disaster, cyber attack or terrorist attack.

The booklet, sent to 5.2 million households, is an updated version of one that has been issued in the country five times since World War II.

The booklet makes no mention of Russia, Ukraine or any other country.

The text states: "The level of military threat is increasing. We must be prepared for the worst-case scenario – armed attack on Sweden.”.

Tips include stocking up on non-perishable food and water, keeping cash on hand, and growing fruit and vegetables in your own garden.

The brochure is published in Swedish and English; an online version is also available in other languages, including Finnish, Arabic, Farsi, Ukrainian, Polish, and Somali.

Meanwhile, the Finnish government has launched a website that also provides information on preparing for such crises.

Prepared by: Sergey Daga