Defense Chief Warns of New Russian Warfare

 

Linnea Blomberg

 

Published 10:10

Russia may test NATO’s cohesion—on Swedish soil.

This possibility is not ruled out by Ewa Skoog Haslum, a senior defense official, who also expresses concern regarding the evolution of the Russian military.

“It could very well happen on Swedish territory as well,” she tells Sveriges Radio.

In an interview for the program *Ekot*, Ewa Skoog Haslum—head of the Swedish Armed Forces’ Operations Command—describes an increasingly unpredictable security landscape.

A particular concern is that Russia has become more adept at adapting its warfare tactics during ongoing operations in Ukraine.

“We used to know Russia very well. We know exactly how their command-and-control structure functions.”

Sweden must account for this increased flexibility, Ewa Skoog Haslum argues.

Could occur on Swedish soil

At the same time, there is concern that Russia might test the cohesion of NATO.

According to Skoog Haslum, defense planners are primarily preparing for such a scenario along NATO’s eastern border, but it could also take place in Sweden.

One potential target is Swedish civilian infrastructure.

She also highlights Russia’s improved long-range strike capabilities and the country’s nuclear threats as sources of concern.

Meanwhile, Ewa Skoog Haslum emphasizes that NATO is working around the clock to deter Russia.

“We will not start a war,” she says.