Russia may be preparing an attack on the Baltic islands: Sweden has identified Putin’s objective
This was stated by the Chief of the Swedish Armed Forces, Michael Klasson, in an interview with The Times.
The Baltic Islands as a trap for NATO
According to Klasson, the Kremlin could launch a small-scale naval operation in the Baltic Sea as early as tomorrow. The aim is to expose cracks within the alliance, especially given that Donald Trump has openly threatened to cut support for European partners.
“We must be vigilant and deter Russia from such ventures through our presence in strategically important areas in the north and, of course, in the Baltic Sea,” said Klasson.
400,000 islands to choose from
In September, the Swedish Armed Forces published a report that explicitly named a potential target – the island of Gotland. Russia could seize it by surprise – by sea or by airborne assault.
However, Klasson clarified that Russia has far more options.
“It doesn’t have to be a particularly large-scale operation, but rather a demonstration of intent, after which one can wait to see the reaction at the political level,” he explained.
What Swedish intelligence say
Swedish military intelligence warned in a recent report that the threat from Russia will grow. Moscow is building up its military capabilities near Sweden and is already capable of launching a limited strike in the region.
In five years’ time, the situation could be even more serious – Russia will have the capability to “launch an armed attack with the aim of seizing large territories and subsequently establishing naval and air supremacy”.
After Ukraine – is Europe next?
Classon also warned: the end of the war in Ukraine will not mean peace for Europe. On the contrary – Russia will be able to regroup and redeploy resources to the west.
“I also do not rule out that they will be preparing for some form of military confrontation with the aim of effectively restoring a certain form of geopolitical expansion, reminiscent of the former Russian Empire, or perhaps even the Soviet Union,” he noted.
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