According to Micael Bydén, the commander of the Swedish Defense Forces, his speeches about the threat of war are not based on new intelligence information, but the aim is to increase citizens’ awareness of the crisis.
Commander of the Swedish Defense Forces by Micael Bydén according to it is quite possible that Russia will attack the Baltic countries, Finland or Sweden.
The prime minister has also repeated the same message about the possibility of war in Sweden in recent days Ulf KristerssonMinister of Defense Pål Jonsson and Minister of Civil Defense Carl-Oskar Bohlin, all of whom have a moderate party affiliation.
However, in a meeting with Finnish journalists at the Sälen security conference, Commander Bydén emphasizes that his interpretation of the possibility of the war spreading is not based on any new intelligence. Nor is his intention to scare the Swedes.
Bydén points out that the word war is used in Sweden, for example, in every home in the brochure, which listed actions in case of crisis or war. The brochure was distributed by the Swedish Social Protection and Preparedness Agency five years ago.
– I have no new information that would mean that the immediate risk of a Russian attack on Sweden has increased here and now. It should not be interpreted that way, says Bydén.
But according to the commander, despite the great loss of men, Russia continues its war in Ukraine.
– It is not at all excluded that other countries will find themselves in a more difficult situation. We also need to prepare. That’s what I mean, Bydé underlines.
Sweden still in NATO’s footsteps
Commander Bydén has previously said that the short-term differences in the NATO membership of Finland and Sweden do not cause problems.
Finland joined the military alliance in April, but Sweden’s membership is still stuck in both Turkey and Hungary.
Now Bydén sets a time limit for the inconvenience caused by different pacing to a year. So the deadline is in three to four months.
Preparations for NATO membership are progressing quickly and, for example Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said yesterday, Mondaythat Sweden intends to send several hundred soldiers to protect Latvia.
However, it can only be realized when Sweden is a member of NATO.
Commander Bydén admits that it is a pity that Sweden cannot participate in NATO’s most central planning, which is currently being carried out in full.
– We are ready and have completed all preparations. We have also heard about Finland’s experiences. We will join tomorrow if we can.
But Bydén considers the current situation even more problematic for NATO.
– The problem and challenge is largely on NATO’s side, because it cannot include our region and the Swedish armed forces in its own planning.
Cooperation with Finland has not become more difficult in any way since Finland became a member of NATO last April, Bydén assures.
– What do we still need to focus on? For example, for bilateral cooperation with Finland. And to ensure that it continues as tight.