“Is the threat from Russia worse than the threat from the Soviet Union?”

Should Gotlanders have higher preparedness than others, and what is really the difference in the threat from the East now compared to how it was during the Cold War?

These were some of the viewer questions Commander-in-Chief Micael Bydén answered in Efter fem, where he also commented on the declaration of war that has come to dominate the news feed this week.

– You shouldn’t be afraid, but prepared, he says.

It was during the People and Defense National Conference that Commander-in-Chief Micael Bydén warned that the Swedes must be prepared for the worst to happen here as well.

“But we have to understand how serious this situation really is and that, down to the individual level, you mentally prepare. Look at the news reporting from Ukraine and ask yourself the simple questions: If this is happening here, do I have things in place?” he said in Nyhetsmorgon’s broadcast.

The statement has become the big talking point during the week, and has also created greater concern about war among Swedes, according to a new survey.

“Good with reactions”

Now Micael Bydén comments on the whole thing in Efter fem.

– I think it is good that there are reactions and that you express yourself. We still live in a free society. It is one of the basic democratic principles to have a say, and that has been done now, says Micael Bydén.

Furthermore, Bydén believes that it is important that one actually sees the current situation for what it is, and that it should not be glorified.

– It is important to put words to things for what they are. Not to wrap up and try to tell about something that gives the wrong picture. War is the worst thing we can face, and there is a war going on in Europe, he says, adding:

– We are not saying that there will be war, but we cannot rule it out.

Answering viewers’ questions

The commander-in-chief also took the time to answer questions sent in by TV4’s viewers. Among other things, he answered the question: “Is the threat from Russia now worse than the threat from the Soviet Union in the 80s?”

– What has happened now, it would not have happened then, that is, that Russia has chosen to carry out the large-scale invasion and tried to take over another sovereign country and break a security situation or a system that we have. That is the difference, and you show that you are prepared to continue, replied Bydén.

He was also asked whether Gotlanders need to have some extra preparedness in mind given the geographical location, and answered:

– Gotland is in a special place, in the middle of the Baltic Sea, so from a military perspective it is clear that we have a special eye there, which we also have in other parts of the country that need a greater focus on our part. But as an individual, the same thing there as in the rest of the country.