finance
Swedish Defense Commission says Russia-NATO conflict possible
Sweden's Defense Commission stated in a report issued Friday that an armed attack on Sweden or its NATO allies cannot be ruled out. The commission called for faster military and civil defense upgrades. Finland's defense minister separately described Russian military activity near the Finnish border.
Jun 14, 7:35 AM·1m read2 sources
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Sweden's Defense Commission said in an interim report released Friday that Russia could test NATO's collective defense commitments in the relatively near future. The commission stated that an armed attack against Sweden or its allies cannot be ruled out. It recommended rapid increases in both military and civil defense capabilities.
Finland's defense minister told public broadcaster Yle that Russia is creating new military units and increasing troop numbers near the Finnish border. He added that Russia is building capability to mobilize troops quickly from other parts of the country. Reports indicated two Russian warplanes circled near Swedish airspace on June 13, prompting Sweden to scramble fighter jets in response.
Sweden joined NATO as its 32nd member on March 7, 2024. Finland became the 31st member on April 4, 2023. Both countries share borders with Russia. The Russia-Ukraine conflict is now in its fifth year.
