As the conflict in Ukraine deepens—exacerbated by the Biden administration’s controversial move to lift restrictions on sending long-range missiles to Ukraine for strikes on Russian territory—Sweden is taking steps to prepare for the worst.
The country is distributing pamphlets to citizens, warning them to brace for the possibility of nuclear war.
The Daily Mail reports that Sweden is sending out five million pamphlets urging residents to get ready for potential conflict. These guides include advice on food stockpiling and finding shelter during a nuclear attack as tensions between Russia and NATO continue to rise.
The pamphlets, titled If Crisis or War Comes, are being distributed by Sweden’s Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) and carry a serious tone: “We must prepare for the worst,” they state. The booklet’s introduction highlights the uncertain global situation, noting, “We live in uncertain times. Armed conflicts are currently being waged in our corner of the world. Terrorism, cyberattacks, and disinformation campaigns are being used to undermine and influence us.”
The pamphlets further warn that the rising global security risks could make nuclear, biological, or chemical weapons more likely to be used. In case of such an attack, citizens are advised to seek cover as they would during an airstrike. “To resist these threats, we must stand united. If Sweden is attacked, everyone must do their part to defend Sweden’s independence—and our democracy. We build resilience every day,” the pamphlet stresses, adding, “You are part of Sweden’s overall emergency preparedness.”
After a nuclear blast, the pamphlets suggest heading to basements or subway stations for shelter, as these locations provide the best protection. They reassure citizens that “after a couple of days, the radiation has decreased significantly.”
Sweden teasing World war season 3 by giving pamphlets to prepare us for eventual war 😍😍😍 pic.twitter.com/ViZCZdWOmq
— ♡Noa♡ 🇱🇧🇵🇸🫶🏻 (@noaberj) November 19, 2024
Sweden’s neighbor, Norway, is also preparing its citizens for the worst. Aftenposten recently reported that Norwegians are receiving similar emergency preparedness pamphlets, recognizing that acts of war could spill over into their own country. Finland is on the same page, releasing a digital booklet outlining how citizens should respond to “incidents and crises.” Finland’s government notes, “The country has always been prepared for the worst possible threat: war.”
Sweden’s Defense Minister, Pål Jonson, recently raised alarms, telling POLITICO, “Russia is the principal threat to Sweden, and it constitutes a threat to the whole [NATO] alliance.” Jonson warned that the risk of a Russian attack on Sweden “cannot be excluded.”
In response to the increasing threat, Sweden plans to boost its military spending to 2.4 percent of GDP next year.
