Sweden, Finland and Norway are warning their respective citizens to prepare for a possible war, given the worsening conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the BBC reported today.
The three Nordic countries – two of which (Finland and Norway) share land borders with Russia – have started to prepare their populations with advice on “if a crisis or war comes”, after this weekend, Ukraine received authorization from the United States of America. (USA) to use long-range missiles on Russian territory, said the British public broadcaster.
Today, millions of Swedes started receiving in their mailboxes a version of the pamphlet “If Crisis or War Comes”, which advises the population how to prepare for and face war.
Finland’s Neighborhood also published new advice online on “incident and crisis preparedness”, while Norwegians received a pamphlet urging them to be prepared to live alone for a week “in case of extreme weather conditions, war or other threats ”.
The material published online by Finnish entities includes an article on military conflicts, which explains how the Government and the President would respond in the event of an armed attack, stating that the authorities are “well prepared for self-defense”.
After many years of neutrality, Sweden (in March this year) and Finland (in April 2023) became part of NATO, having decided to apply to the Atlantic Alliance after Moscow went to heads in the territory of Ukraine.
Norway was a founding member of the Western defense alliance, led by the US, which has article 5 in its founding treaty, which states that any armed attack against one or more countries in the bloc will be considered an attack.
The list of preparations issued by Norway includes the recommendation to buy and store long-lasting foods, such as cans of beans, energy bars and pasta, as well as medicines, including iodine tablets, in the event of a nuclear accident.
Oslo launched an earlier version of the list in 2018, but it has now been added to the argument that extreme weather events, such as floods and landslides, pose greater risks.
For the Swedes, the idea of a civil emergency leaflet is nothing new. The first edition of “If War Comes” was produced during the Second World War and was updated during the Cold War.
The Russian military attack on the territory of Ukraine, launched on February 24, 2022, plunged Europe into what is considered to be the most serious security crisis since the Second World War (1939-1945).
How are citizens in Sweden, Finland, and Norway reacting to government warnings about potential conflict?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Military Analyst
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, everyone. Today, we’re discussing a pressing topic that has raised concerns across the Nordic region. Recently, Sweden, Finland, and Norway have issued warnings to their citizens to prepare for a potential conflict, given the escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine. Joining us is Dr. Erik Lindström, a military analyst with extensive experience in geopolitical affairs. Dr. Lindström, thank you for being here.
Dr. Erik Lindström: Thank you for having me. It’s a crucial time for the Nordic countries, and I’m glad to discuss the current situation.
Editor: To start, can you tell us why these Nordic countries have decided to issue such warnings to their populations?
Dr. Lindström: Absolutely. The warnings are largely a response to the recent developments in the Russo-Ukrainian conflict, particularly Ukraine’s authorization from the United States to use long-range missiles on Russian territory. Such actions have heightened the risk of the conflict spilling over into neighboring regions, especially for countries like Finland and Norway that share land borders with Russia.
Editor: That makes sense. What practical steps are these countries advising their citizens to take in preparation for a potential crisis?
Dr. Lindström: The advice varies by country. As reported, millions of Swedes received pamphlets titled “If Crisis or War Comes,” which outline various preparedness measures, including stockpiling essential supplies. Meanwhile, Finland has updated its online resources to include guidance on incident and crisis preparedness. Norway’s pamphlet encourages citizens to be self-sufficient for at least a week in case of extreme weather or conflict-related disruptions. It’s a significant shift in public messaging.
Editor: It sounds like there’s a clear emphasis on personal preparedness. How do you think citizens are responding to these advisories?
Dr. Lindström: Response has been mixed, but generally, there’s a sense of seriousness about the situation. Historically, citizens in these countries are accustomed to considering national security issues, given their proximity to Russia. However, the concept of war hitting their home soil is unsettling, and it’s likely some may feel anxious or fearful about the implications.
Editor: Considering the historical context, how do you think the legacy of past conflicts influences the current sentiment in these nations?
Dr. Lindström: The Nordic countries have a unique history with military engagement. They’ve been able to maintain relative peace and stability for decades, but the memories of past conflicts and conflicts in Europe still resonate. This history informs their vigilance and the importance they place on readiness. The initiatives to prepare citizens can be interpreted as both a precaution and a reminder of the uncertain nature of geopolitical stability.
Editor: That’s an insightful perspective. Looking ahead, what measures should we expect from these countries if tensions continue to escalate?
Dr. Lindström: If the situation escalates further, we might see increased military exercises in the region, as well as enhanced cooperation between Nordic countries and NATO. Additionally, internal security measures could tighten, and we may witness more public discourse around defense budgeting and resource allocation to ensure national security.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Lindström, for sharing your expert insights on this critical issue. The ongoing developments certainly warrant careful observation. We appreciate your time today.
Dr. Lindström: Thank you for having me. It’s essential to stay informed as these events unfold.
Editor: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. We’ll continue to monitor the situation in the Nordic region and provide updates as they become available. Stay safe and prepared.