Sweden is not immune to a possible military attack, according to a report published on Monday by the Ministry of Defense of Sweden, which emphasizes the importance of the Scandinavian country’s accession to NATO, in the context of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, writes AFP. Although Sweden has a “guest” status from June 2022, it has not yet joined the NATO alliance, as two of the 31 members – Turkey and Hungary – oppose it.

Russia is involved in a “long-term conflict with the entire Western world,” Hans Wallmark, a deputy from the conservative Moderate Party who heads the commission that created the report, said at a press conference.

“An armed attack on Sweden cannot be ruled out,” said the document, titled “Allvarstid” (“Dangerous Times” in Swedish).

“Sweden’s security policy is undergoing historic changes”

The report, drawn up by a commission made up of politicians from all parties and experts, stresses that Sweden’s security “will be ensured in the best possible way (together) with NATO”.

In addition to the war waged by Russia against Ukraine, the document points in the direction of China, which is increasing its influence in Asia and around the world.

“The Russian invasion of Ukraine, the growth of China’s territorial claims show that the use of force to achieve these claims has become a reality again. Consequently, Swedish security policy is undergoing historic changes,” the report says.

Guiding principles for increasing the army’s capabilities have been outlined, said Peter Hultqvist, former defense minister and member of the commission from the Social Democrats (opposition), during a press conference. Among them is the need for a “bigger army” by 2025-2030, which would mean at least 10,000 new recruits compared to 5,000-6,000 now.

Despite having “guest” status from June 2022, Sweden has yet to ratify its entry as 2 of the 31 NATO members, Turkey and Hungary, oppose it.

Only full members benefit from the protection of NATO’s famous Article 5, which means that an attack on one member will be considered an attack on all. (Source: Agerpres / Photo: Dreamstime.com)