FOREIGN: SWEDEN, FINLAND URGE RESIDENTS TO PREPARE FOR WAR

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As neighboring Finland created a new readiness website, Sweden started distributing some five million brochures to its citizens on Monday, asking them to get ready for the prospect of war.

Following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Sweden and Finland have ended decades of military non-alignment to join the US-led military alliance NATO.

Citing the dire security situation in its immediate proximity, Stockholm has frequently advised Swedes to mentally and logistically prepare for the potential of war since the beginning of the conflict.

The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) sent out a brochure titled “If Crisis or War Comes,” which includes information on how to get ready for situations like cyberattacks, natural disasters, and war.

It is an updated version of a pamphlet that Sweden has issued five times since World War II.

The previous version sent out in 2018 made headlines, as it was the first time it had been sent to Swedes since 1961 at the height of the Cold War.

“The security situation is serious and we all need to strengthen our resilience to face various crises and ultimately war,” MSB director Mikael Frisell said in a statement.

The 32-page document outlines with simple illustrations the threats facing the Nordic nation, including military conflict, natural disasters, and cyber and terror attacks.

It includes tips for preparedness, such as keeping non-perishable food in stock and storing water.

MSB said the updated 2024 version had a stronger focus on preparation for war.

5.2 million copies will be sent to Swedish homes over the course of the following two weeks.

The pamphlet is accessible in print in Swedish and English and digitally in Arabic, Farsi, Ukrainian, Polish, Somali, and Finnish, among other languages.

In January, Micael Byden, the former head of Sweden’s army, shocked many of his countrymen by urging them to think about their own readiness.