Worries arise in Sweden as defense leaders issue war alert

Two high-ranking defence officials in Sweden have issued a warning to the public to prepare for the possibility of war. Civil Defence Minister Carl-Oskar Bohlin expressed concern at a defence conference, stating that there could be war in Sweden. He was supported by military commander-in-chief Gen Micael Byden, who urged all Swedes to mentally prepare for this possibility. However, opposition politicians have criticized the alarmist tone of these warnings, emphasizing that the security situation is serious but war is not imminent. The situation has caused worry among children, with an increase in calls to a helpline from youngsters who have seen news reports or posts on TikTok discussing the issue. There is also criticism that the warnings were not accompanied by appropriate information for children. Despite the dramatic nature of the messages, many perceive them as a wake-up call. Sweden, after more than two centuries of peace, is on the verge of joining the Nato defensive alliance pending approval from Turkey's parliament and Hungary. Gen Byden believes that his remarks are not new; he recently visited Ukraine's eastern front and Sweden is involved in training Ukrainian pilots. Furthermore, there is consideration of sending advanced fighter jets to Ukraine. The aim of these warnings is not to incite fear but to encourage people to reflect on their own situations and responsibilities. Finland has already joined Nato, and Russian officials have suggested that it will suffer the most if tensions with Nato escalate. The civil defence minister hopes to raise awareness rather than cause anxiety, appealing to local authorities, emergency planners, and individuals to take action. Mr Bohlin expressed concern about the slow pace of progress and urged for more action. During the conference, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on Sweden and other countries to manufacture weapons and strengthen their defense capabilities. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson also announced that Sweden would meet Nato's spending target of 2% of GDP on military defense by 2024. Defence specialist Oscar Jonsson believes that the tone of the warnings is exaggerated and that much of the frustration arises from insufficient efforts to build civil and military defense. He emphasizes the urgent need for agencies, individuals, and departments to respond. Gen Byden's warning regarding mental preparation for war follows a similar warning a month ago from Poland's National Security Bureau, suggesting that Nato's Eastern flank should prepare for confrontation to avoid war with Russia within three years. Jonsson acknowledges that war is a possibility but states that several preconditions would need to be met, including the end of Russia's war in Ukraine, rebuilding and rearming its military, and Europe losing US military support. Although these conditions are plausible, they are not inevitable.