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Usually on the island of Gotland from the ferry only campers, trucks and locals get off in their personal cars, while this time there are military tanks and jeeps, and in large numbers. Sweden has increased its combat readiness in the largest and most strategically important area of the island: four corvettes patrol the coast and the airspace is tightly controlled.
Vice Admiral Jan Torkvist is the commander of the troops in the Baltic Sea region: “Last week we registered more activity from the Russians. There is also a greater presence of troops from other countries. We are here to fulfill our task: defend Swedish sovereignty, our territorial integrity and freedom ”, he added.
Just the clink of a gun?
Just east of Gotland, three large Russian landing ships were seen, each carrying more than 200 soldiers, as well as heavy weapons. These are previously announced maneuvers, but in the context of the crisis in Belarus and the noise of weapons. And from all sides, says military expert Johan Fredrickson:
“We know of the exercises in the Russian region of Kaliningrad, as well as the increased military presence in the western part of Belarus. The Russian president also sent elite units there. Consequently, NATO troops from various countries have increased. its activity along the Norwegian coast, as well as in the Baltic Sea region.
Sweden reacted too, even to avoid a repeat of what happened in 2013, when Russian bombers and escort fighter jets closed in on Swedish airspace, and Swedish fighter jets had no standby interceptors.
Later, Danish NATO fighters had to take off from a base in Lithuania to keep an eye on the Russians. And although nothing happened, the situation was extremely confusing for the Swedes. That is why the greatest preparation for combat is now.
Minimal risk of war
This is more than an exercise, says Matthias Ardin, commander of Gotland’s P18 Regiment. “Unlike drills, sending reinforcements is a tougher measure. There is always a specific reason. But I want to emphasize that the risk of war breaking out is minimal. “However, the concern is clearly great. For the first time, the army is preparing not quietly but openly. A novelty, according to the newspaper” Dagens Newheter “, it is the official justification that it is a reaction in an emergency situation.
The newspaper quoted Defense Minister Peter Hultqvist as saying: “The security situation has deteriorated, there are unrest in Belarus and Sweden is watching very closely.” As Johan Fredriksson points out, this is why many Swedes are positive about the show of force by their troops: “This is an extraordinary measure that reminds us that the situation in Belarus is crucial not only for the future of Belarus. , but also for ours. own security and for the security of the whole of Europe ”, emphasizes the military observer.
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