In a significant move reflecting growing fears of an impending conflict, Sweden has begun distributing over five million leaflets to its citizens, instructing them on how to prepare for the possibility of war. This heightened sense of urgency comes as tensions between Russia and Ukraine’s Western allies reach new levels, following the Biden administration’s decision to authorize Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied long-range missiles to strike targets inside Russia.
The escalation has provoked strong reactions not only from Russia but also from Donald Trump supporters in the United States. Trump, who is the U.S. president-elect, has vowed to scale back U.S. assistance to Ukraine and bring the conflict to a swift conclusion. His eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., took to social media to voice concerns over President Joe Biden’s recent move. On X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, he wrote: “The military-industrial complex seems to want to make sure they get World War 3 going before my father has a chance to create peace and save lives.”
As the conflict in Ukraine drags on, countries in northern Europe are intensifying their efforts to bolster public preparedness for potential threats. Alongside Sweden, neighboring Finland has also launched a new preparedness website, aiming to educate citizens on how to stay safe in case of emergencies. Meanwhile, Norway has recently distributed pamphlets to its population, providing guidance on how to survive independently for up to a week in the event of war or other crises.
The recent preparations by Sweden, Finland, and Norway are indicative of the broader regional concern sparked by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. This event prompted both Sweden and Finland to end decades of military non-alignment by moving towards joining the NATO military alliance, thereby aligning themselves more closely with the United States and other western nations.
The Swedish government has been particularly proactive in urging its citizens to prepare for an escalation of the conflict. Since the outbreak of war between Russia and Ukraine, Stockholm has repeatedly called on Swedes to be mentally and logistically prepared for a possible war scenario. In line with this stance, the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) has updated and distributed the brochure titled ‘If Crisis or War Comes’ to every household in the country.
The leaflet provides detailed instructions on how to prepare for emergencies, ranging from conventional warfare to cyberattacks and natural disasters. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining a stockpile of food and water to sustain families for several days. Additionally, it includes practical advice on how to respond to nuclear, biological, or chemical attacks. “The global security situation increases the risks that nuclear weapons could be used. In the event of an attack with nuclear, biological, or chemical weapons, take cover in the same way as in an air attack,” the brochure reads, according to the Daily Mail.
The latest version of the pamphlet also includes a message aimed at reinforcing national resolve: “We will never give up if Sweden is attacked by another country.” It further asserts, “All information to the effect that resistance is to cease is false.”
Finland has followed a similar approach, establishing an online platform dedicated to informing its citizens about emergency preparedness. The website offers practical tips on securing basic necessities such as food, water, and medical supplies in the event of disruptions caused by warfare or other emergencies.
The efforts to educate citizens about preparedness for potential conflicts reflect a wider trend in northern Europe of ramping up civil defense measures in response to increasing geopolitical tensions. The decision by Sweden and Finland to join NATO has been seen as a significant shift in regional security dynamics, driven largely by concerns over Russian aggression.
The fear of a broader conflict has not only affected the countries directly bordering Russia but has also led to increased political polarization in the United States. President-elect Donald Trump has promised to reduce U.S. involvement in Ukraine and instead prioritize peace negotiations. The backlash against Biden’s decision to allow Ukraine to target Russian territory with long-range missiles illustrates the division within U.S. domestic politics over how to address the conflict.
As the world watches the situation unfold, Sweden, Finland, and other northern European countries are preparing for all eventualities, underscoring the very real fears of a broader conflict spilling over into their territories. The message is clear: these nations are readying their citizens for difficult times ahead, hoping for peace but preparing for the worst.