Sweden sounds alarm: Europe faces threat of war with Russia
Swedish Minister of Defense Pål Jonson (Photo: Getty Images)
Europe has only a narrow window of opportunity to prepare for a new war on its vulnerable northern border with Russia, states Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson.
According to him, battle-hardened troops and a defense industry operating in wartime mode could allow Vladimir Putin to carry out a limited invasion of the North Baltic region within two to five years.
Given that the Russian leader shows a willingness to take political and military risks, the threat exists for all of Europe, not just the countries bordering NATO’s 1,400-mile border with Russia.
“Russia is picking up skills on the battlefield in and around Ukraine, especially in electronic warfare, long-range strike abilities and operating drones,” Jonson said at the IISS Prague Defence Summit.
The Swedish defense minister added that Russia is rapidly increasing its weapons production and has repeatedly demonstrated a willingness to take significant political and military risks.
“Therefore it is vital that we use this window of opportunity that we have while Russia is bogged down in Ukraine to strengthen Nato’s northern flank.,” Jonson emphasized.
Following yesterday’s Russian drone strike, Sweden urgently sent an additional batch of aircraft and air defense systems to Poland.
Stockholm has not ruled out providing Ukraine with Gripen fighter jets, but only after the war with Russia concludes.
In addition, Sweden is ready to participate in developing security guarantees for Ukraine.
