Finland and Sweden have issued updated survival guides to every one of their citizens, as fears grow that Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine could easily spill over into neighbouring territories
As anxiety over Vladimir Putin’s aggressive manoeuvres in Ukraine rises, countries sharing borders with or located near Russia have started distributing survival manuals to citizens. With the palpable risk of Russian hostilities expanding into adjacent areas, Nordic nations are telling their populace, “You are part of Sweden’s overall emergency preparedness.”
In a week marked by Ukraine deploying UK-designed Storm Shadow missiles into Russia’s heartland and Putin intensifying nuclear threats, Swedes and Finns were instructed by authorities to accumulate provisions, learn CPR, and donate blood. In Sweden, residents were encouraged to enlist in grassroots defence militia as pre-emptive measures against potential conflicts.
A leaflet titled ‘In case of crisis or war,’ landing on doormats across Sweden, states: “We can never take our freedom for granted. Our courage and will to defend our open society are vital, even though it may require us to make certain sacrifices.” It firmly adds, “If Sweden is attacked, we will never surrender.”
This 32-page document details various risks such as armed clashes, terrorist acts, and cyber strikes—tensions that are not unfamiliar to nations along the Baltic Sea, having historically repelled Russian encroachments post-World War 2.
With the crisis in Ukraine intensifying and raising alarm for NATO member states, some of which share borders with Ukraine or Russia, Sweden is urging its citizens to stand ready to protect their country. A distributed leaflet proclaims, “If Sweden is attacked, everyone must do their part to defend Sweden’s independence – and our democracy. We build resilience every day.”
The Swedish people are also being reminded, “From the year you turn 16 until the end of the year you turn 70, you are part of Sweden’s total defence and required to serve in the event of war or the threat of war.”
Sweden’s Defense Minister, Pal Jonson, previously warned in an interview with Politico that a Russian attack on his country “cannot be excluded,” labelling Russia as their “principle threat.”
Micael Byden, former Swedish defence head, warned about Russia’s strategic interest in the Baltic Sea, explicitly saying, “I am sure that Putin even has both eyes on Gotland. Putin’s goal is to gain control of the Baltic Sea.”
Over in Finland, which shares its eastern border with Russia and has historically countered Russian encroachment since its independence over 100 years ago, citizens are also receiving guidance through a digital self-defence guide. With national conscription, Finland boasts a formidable force almost 1.2 million strong, poised to respond should Putin choose to widen his military campaign.
Finland, having stood firm against the Soviet Union in the 1939 Winter War, has long instilled a culture of civic defence among its businesses and citizens, a practice that persists to this day. “Preparedness is a civic skill in the current global situation. When people know how to act in emergency situations, society’s resilience to crises is well established,” stated Kimmo Kohvakka, Finland’s Director of Rescue Services.
In both Finland and Sweden, residents are being advised to familiarise themselves with the nearest bomb shelters in anticipation of potential air raids or nuclear attacks. They’re also being encouraged to stock their homes with essentials such as water, food, blankets, candles, matches, and battery-powered radios to stay informed through official channels.
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, both Nordic countries have forsaken their longstanding neutrality to seek membership in NATO, an alliance founded on mutual defence. Sauli Niinistö, the former Prime Minister of Finland, has been charged with crafting a survival guide for the European Union amidst growing concerns of conflict escalation.
Speaking to El Mundo, he highlighted a stark reality: “Most Europeans do not have enough material to survive for 72 hours. We must create guides and offer them techniques.”
