A recently constructed Russian Orthodox church in Västerås, Sweden, has raised suspicions among security experts and local officials.
Could Be Surveillance Point
Though some see the church as a place of worship, others fear it may serve as a base for Russian intelligence operations.
The church’s strategic location near Västerås Airport, a key water treatment facility, and major energy companies, has fueled concerns, according to Digi24.
Security analysts note that the church could provide Moscow with a potential surveillance point.
Markus Göransson, a researcher on Russia at the Swedish Defense University, highlighted that the church might monitor military exercises conducted at the nearby airport.
Swedish security services (Säpo) also expressed concerns, noting that church representatives may have connections with Russian intelligence agents.
In response, the Swedish public agency SST suspended its funding for the church following discussions with Säpo.
A Potential Security Risk
The church’s construction approval in 2017 did not initially raise alarms. However, tensions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have led to greater scrutiny of Russian-linked institutions across Europe.
European countries have taken various measures to limit Russia's influence, expelling embassy employees and increasing oversight of Russian-owned properties near strategic locations.
Similar concerns have surfaced across the Nordic region. In Norway, Russian-owned ski lodges overlook a military airbase, while in Sweden, a Russian businessman purchased property facing a critical naval base.
Finnish authorities recently prevented Russian citizens from buying property near a military training area.
Swedish officials, including Västerås municipal leader Staffan Jansson, have acknowledged the potential security risks but have left the matter to national security agencies.
Experts like Göransson argue that placing the church near strategic sites was a serious oversight, suggesting that Västerås’s authorities should factor in the potential vulnerability in future planning decisions.
