On Monday, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said the government this week will begin preparing to reinstate the conscription of up to 3K civilians for its emergency services in an effort to bolster its defense and preparedness. The decision was made in the context of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
This comes after both Sweden and Finland, as another means of bolstering their defense, began seeking entry into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in May.
Sweden's entry and participation in NATO are long overdue. The Swedish government has completed its due diligence and should be confident in its NATO membership following a long and arduous admissions process. This is vital in the face of Russian aggression — as shown by the brutality of the invasion of Ukraine. Sweden is absolutely correct to be re-evaluating its defensive posture.
Sweden and Finland have unfortunately abandoned a long history of neutrality. By abandoning its relationship with Moscow and engaging in the West's "russophobia," Sweden is actually putting its citizens in more danger.