Sweden has increased its security level after filing applications to join NATO.
The Sweden Military Intelligence and Security Service has published its annual report, which identifies threats to national security. The head of the country's military intelligence and security service, Lena Hallin, said that “the European security order as we know it has ceased to exist” and not only Russia, but also China can create risks for Sweden.
She said this at a press conference on February 20, and is also stated on the website of the Swedish Armed Forces.
Hallin stressed that “the threat to Sweden has grown”, and the “threat picture” itself has become “wider and more complex.” According to her, there is a real risk of further escalation.
“We have witnessed a very high level of risk on the part of the Russians and during the year the stakes have risen even more. Russia has not achieved any of its strategic goals through the war, but there is no sign that the Russian leadership has abandoned its far-reaching ambitions,” Hallin said.
She pointed not only to Russia, but also to China as a potential source of threat. Hallin stressed that this is mainly due to espionage activities. Sweden's military intelligence and security services add that foreign countries are actively looking for vulnerabilities in the country's “open and digital society.”
“Both countries have the ability to conduct complex operations in an attempt to influence the political and economic decisions of Sweden. The processes of public opinion and decision-making in Sweden – the basis of our democracy – are under close supervision. Awareness of this threat must be raised,” said the head of the Swedish military. -intelligence.
Hallin also commented on Stockholm's expectations of NATO membership: “Sweden has received bilateral security guarantees from several NATO countries in connection with its application for NATO membership, and the assessment is that Russia still wants to avoid an escalation that could lead to a military conflict with NATO, but at the same time, the leadership of the Russian Federation is very risky and causes uncertainty, mainly related to the readiness of the Russian leadership to take high risks.
Recall that Washington said that Finland and Sweden are ready for membership in the Alliance.
Turkish President Recep Erdogan about notes that his country will not make decisions on NATO expansion.
