Both Supreme Commander Micael Bydén and Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M) warned yesterday that there could be war in Sweden.
"Yes, is the answer," said the Supreme Commander to SVT when asked if one must understand that Sweden could go to war with Russia.
He simultaneously urged the Swedish people to be prepared, a message that was reiterated by the Prime Minister.
"It's serious for real," emphasized Ulf Kristersson at a press conference.
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International Reactions
The Swedish war warning has elicited reactions in several countries. Among others, the warnings have been noted in Newsweek.
"Swedish officials warn their citizens to be more prepared than ever for war," writes the American magazine.
But reactions have also arisen in Russia and in Vladimir Putin's party, United Russia.
Pointing Out Sweden: "You're Dreaming"
Alexei Pushkov, chairman of the information committee in the Russian Senate, now directly points out Sweden in a heated post on social media. He calls Sweden one of the countries that spread the most “anti-Russian paranoia” in all of Europe.
According to the Russian top politician, Sweden overestimates its own importance.
“For many years, they have said that Russia is probably preparing to take Gothenburg and other nonsense,” Pushkov highlights on Telegram according to a translation from Aftonbladet.
"Sometimes it seems that some Swedish military and journalists almost dream about war," he adds.
"Not Playing with the Word 'War'"
Finland, too, has been surprised by the Swedish warning. Such formulations would not be used in Sweden's neighboring country, says Pirjo Auvinen, a correspondent for the Finnish newspaper Yle.
On SVT's “Aktuellt,” she shares that she reacted very strongly.
"It is interpreted as instigating war or being war-crazy. One does not play with the word 'war,'” she says to the TV channel.
"Going in the Wrong Direction"
According to the government and the Supreme Commander, the war warning is not a new stance. The tone is increasing because there is a need to do more.
"An increased awareness and increased vigilance are important in this serious security policy situation," said Defense Minister Pål Jonson (M) to TV4 yesterday.
"The last few months have gone in the wrong direction."
