Published: Just now
The Ukrainian spring offensive can be launched at any time.
One of those who will participate is Swedish Christopher Forsbäck.
– Once the offensive starts rolling, you will notice it. Immediately.
Exactly when, where and how, few outsiders know, but that the Ukrainian spring offensive is very imminent is now confirmed in various quarters.
Among other things by lieutenant colonel Joakim Paasikivi.
– Literally speaking, it could come now, he says in Aftonbladet tv.
One of those who will participate in the offensive, regardless of when it takes place, is Christopher Forsbäck, 47, from Hölö in Södermanland County, which Sveriges Radio previously drew attention to.
“The only possibility to stop Putin”
He says that he has been in Ukraine for over a year.
– For me, this was the only opportunity to put an end to Putin. If he is allowed to continue, it will repeat itself in the rest of Europe, and I have no desire to hand over the responsibility to stop it to my children, he says over the phone.
Christopher Forsbäck himself has not fought in Ukraine, but has so far been responsible for training Ukrainian soldiers on the ground, and will probably continue to do so during the offensive as well.
– It is still a bit unclear exactly what we will do, but it will be about support, advice and helping the associations with things they have no training in. Things they lack knowledge of, but which we have in our basic training.
– It can be about pure combat tasks to knowledge of mine clearance and mine reconnaissance, as well as navigation and planning.
Christopher Forsbäck himself has basic training as an engineer soldier, and has also participated in the Swedish Foreign Forces and worked in the Home Guard at various levels.
He says that his previous experience in war zones, including the Bosnian war, is useful in the preparations.
– When we were down there, we saw a lot. I therefore know what I’m getting my nose into, and am fully aware that it’s not a Hollywood movie we’re walking into. What you see in a war is reality. It’s like being inside a slaughterhouse. It is nothing that can be imagined until you are actually there.
“Is war non-stop”
The experience of the current war situation varies, depending on where in the country you are, says Christopher Forsbäck.
– In the western parts, there have been sporadic rocket attacks in the past six months. Where we were, which wasn’t around any of the bigger cities, so we got away relatively easily.
– But if you are closer to the front lines, it’s really hard and brutal battles. It has been non-stop the whole time and it is not a petty quarrel.
What is your experience of the Ukrainian people’s attitude to the war?
– They are still determined that they will win. They will not accept a Russian supremacy. Above all, the elderly still remember the Soviet era and do not want to return to it. But even the younger ones have a relatively clear picture of what that would mean, which means that you feel an enormous amount of resistance.
Due to the strained situation, Christopher Forsbäck cannot talk about any details about the spring offensive.
– But what I can say is that we will be extremely close to the front when it starts.
He emphasizes that there is still “a lot” of material missing.
– I don’t think people really understand. The army has gone from 200,000 people to 1.2 million people. We don’t have equipment for that many soldiers. Because that would require us to empty everything we have in Europe. All units are now allocated a certain amount of material based on need, but then it is up to you to try to acquire it yourself.
No great will to fight
How do you feel about the motivation of the Ukrainian soldiers?
– The units that we have trained for the past six months have been trained precisely for this, so the will and energy are definitely there, but there are certainly battle-weary units that have fought and suffered heavy losses. But it is more related to the losses and the ability rather than the will.
– I feel that the fighting morale and the will to win this is enormously high, both in the Ukrainian army but also in the civilian population.
What is your experience of the Russian forces?
– I feel that large parts of the mobilized units in particular have no great will to fight. They are also relatively poorly equipped. But then there are also well-equipped units that still have the motivation to continue fighting so yes, it is very different depending on which unit you meet.
At present, Christopher Forsbäck cannot answer how long he will stay in Ukraine.
– I have an employment with the Ukrainian army like any other soldier, and my contract extends over three years. But unlike the Ukrainian soldiers, I can finish my service, which are opportunities they don’t have. But help will be needed even after this, with mine clearance for example.
Afraid of making mistakes
When asked if he feels any fear for himself, he says that the knowledge of what could happen is always in the back of his mind.
– I’m not really afraid or worried about myself, but the closer you get to the front line, the more the risks increase and you simply have to accept that things can happen anytime and anywhere. I’m not really worried about getting shot, but more about making a mistake. That you step on a mine or end up in an artillery attack.
What do you think about the future of Ukraine?
– The goal of the Ukrainian people is to liberate their territory completely and they are ready to pay the price it costs them to do so. I feel that they will never accept Russian troops on Ukrainian territory.
– I therefore have a strong feeling and conviction that Ukraine will win. I see no other way out. It will cost them an awful lot but they will not give up.
What can the outside world expect from now on?
– I can say this much that once the offensive starts, you will notice it. Immediately. It will be at a completely different pace than it is now.