Swedish parliament considers possibility of Russian attack on Sweden

This is reported by SVT with reference to the report of the Defense Committee of the Swedish Parliament.

The defense committee of the Swedish parliament's report suggests that Sweden cannot dismiss the possibility of a military attack from Russia. Despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Russia still possesses the capability to carry out military operations against Sweden.

According to the report, “Russia maintains a significant capacity for conducting air, naval, long-range, and nuclear operations against Sweden.” 

The document also highlights Russia's ability to engage in special forces activities.

Furthermore, the report emphasizes that the Russian Federation “has reduced its threshold for using military force and demonstrates a strong inclination for political and military risk-taking.”

The report also introduces a new defense doctrine for Sweden, which centers around NATO membership. Previously, the doctrine relied on collaboration with neighboring countries and the European Union.

Sweden's entry into NATO

Sweden's request to join NATO faced unexpected objections from Turkey when Finland and Sweden applied for membership in May 2022.

Finland officially became the 31st member of NATO on April 4, 2023. 

However, Hungary and Turkey did not ratify Sweden's application. Turkey accuses Sweden of "supporting terrorism" and claims that Stockholm is harboring individuals Turkey considers terrorists.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson expressed hope in mid-March for Turkey to quickly ratify the protocol for Sweden's NATO accession after the elections in May. President Erdogan confirmed that Turkey will revisit the discussion on Sweden's NATO membership in June.

Following Finland's NATO accession, President Biden urged Turkey and Hungary to ratify Sweden's application. 

Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Björström, along with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Swedish Defense Minister Jonsson, remain hopeful that Sweden will join NATO before the alliance summit in July.

On May 30, President Biden discussed Sweden's NATO membership with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. He mentioned that the ratification issue would be addressed at the annual summit in Vilnius.

On June 2, Joe Biden announced that Sweden would join NATO in the near future. Subsequently, Thomas Nilsson, the Director of Military Intelligence and Security in Sweden, reported that Russia is attempting to hinder Sweden's NATO accession.