The government of Sweden has recently started distributing pamphlets to its citizens, offering guidance on how to survive in the event of a disastrous war scenario. This move comes amidst heightened tensions with Russia and reports of the US authorizing Ukraine to conduct long-range missile strikes on Russian territory. The directives, titled “In Case of Crisis or War,” are being sent to millions of Swedes and focus on helping people survive for a few days or a week in the event of a shock invasion by a hostile foreign power.
The updated booklet, which is twice the size of the previous version issued six years ago, reflects the new reality of Sweden being NATO’s newest member state. Finland, another new NATO member, has also issued guidelines to its population on preparing for incidents and crises. The pamphlets not only cover war-time situations but also provide information on coping with extreme weather events and other emergencies.
The introduction section of the Swedish booklet emphasizes the importance of unity and resilience in the face of threats, stating that everyone must do their part to defend Sweden’s independence and democracy in the event of an attack. The booklet also encourages local collective preparedness, including forming volunteer defense units and providing training in first aid and survival skills.
In Finland, the digital booklet highlights the country’s long-standing preparedness for potential threats and wars, given its proximity to Russia. Both Nordic countries have increased their focus on worst-case scenarios since the start of the Ukraine war.
Overall, the distribution of these pamphlets aims to help citizens prepare for potential crises and conflicts, ensuring that they are equipped to handle various challenges that may arise.