Future NATO general on the Russian threat: “New normal”

Russia intends to unilaterally change the maritime border with Finland and Lithuania, according to information.
Sweden’s future NATO general Torbjörn Sahlén is not surprised.
– It is another example of the hybrid warfare that Russia engages in, he says in Nyhetsmorgon.

Since March 7, Sweden has been a full member of NATO, and after a vote, Sweden’s first NATO general has been appointed.

Torbjörn Sahlén has dedicated his entire working life to the Swedish defense and will soon step into his new role in NATO.

– It feels incredibly responsible, and in the security situation that unfortunately prevails, it feels important to be able to participate and contribute to ensuring our safety. I look forward to that, says Sahlén, who will, among other things, support NATO’s military committee.

Answering about the Russian plans

NATO has identified Russia and terrorism as the defense pact’s biggest external threats.

On Wednesday, Finnish media reported that Russia intends to change its maritime border with both Finland and Lithuania.

– It’s not surprising, unfortunately, says future NATO general Torbjörn Sahlén and continues:

– It is another example of the hybrid warfare that Russia engages in to create uncertainty among decision-makers at the national level and in NATO. We can expect that various measures will arise, it is part of the normal situation that we are in now.

“Bring with us understanding for our part of Europe”

NATO generals are elected for three years, and after that the parties can agree on another year.

When asked why it is important for Sweden to get Swedes in his role, he answers:

– It is important for us to be able to bring our perspectives into the staff work, and because we carry with us the understanding of our part of Europe into the work that NATO carries out.