Sweden has distributed information pamphlets instructing citizens to prepare for war while NATO ally Finland has launched a new website for its preparations.
Sweden and Finland both applied to join NATO in May 2022, shortly after Russia launched its military campaign in Ukraine. However, Sweden’s path to membership was more difficult and it was not until March this year that the country officially became a NATO member, while Finland was admitted in April 2023.
Finnish soldiers from the Finnish-Swedish Division take part in a NATO exercise in March.
Since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Sweden has repeatedly called on its people to prepare mentally and physically for a potential war amid the dire security situation surrounding the country.
AFP reported on November 18 that the Swedish Civil Emergencies Agency (MSB) will distribute a booklet instructing citizens on how to prepare for emergencies such as war, natural disasters or cyber attacks. About 5.2 million copies of the 32-page guide, titled "If a crisis or war breaks out," will be distributed to citizens over the next two weeks.
It includes simple illustrations of threats to Sweden such as military conflicts, natural disasters and terrorist and cyber attacks. The booklet gives people instructions on how to prepare and preserve non-perishable food and how to store water.
This is an updated version of the information handbook that the Nordic country has distributed to its citizens five times since World War II. The most recent edition, distributed in 2018, was notable because it was the first time the guide had been distributed since 1961, at the height of the Cold War.
Finnish soldiers and K9 self-propelled guns during NATO exercises in Finland on November 17.
Director Mikael Frisell said of the latest edition: "The security situation is dire and we all need to build resilience to face multiple crises and above all war."
The MSB says the 2024 update focuses more on preparing for war. The guide is available in English and Swedish in print and in digital versions in several other languages.
Also on November 18, the government of neighboring ally Finland launched a website to collect information on preparing for various crises, according to AFP. This NATO country has a 1,340 km long border with Russia.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/hai-nuoc-nato-bac-au-keu-goi-nguoi-dan-chuan-bi-cho-chien-tranh-185241118194604348.htm
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