17:01 13-06-2026

Sweden Warns Russia-NATO Tensions Could Turn Military

RusPhotoBank

Sweden’s defense committee sees a risk Russia could test NATO unity soon, as Europe speeds up military preparations and Estonia builds border defenses.

Sweden believes tensions between Russia and NATO could move into a military phase in the foreseeable future, according to a report by the country’s defense committee cited by Bloomberg.

The document says Stockholm sees a possibility that Russia may soon try to test NATO’s cohesion and its commitment to collective defense through some form of military attack. Its authors, however, link such a scenario to the emergence of political conditions that Moscow would consider favorable.

The report also focuses on shifts in relations between Europe and the United States. It describes Washington’s security policy as unpredictable, pointing to a tendency toward harsh rhetoric and unilateral use of military force.

Against this backdrop, European officials and military leaders have increasingly argued that the continent must prepare faster for a possible conflict with Russia. Christian Freuding, commander of the German Army, told Politico earlier that the Bundeswehr needed to accelerate its preparations for such a scenario. He said Germany’s armed forces should build up their capabilities every day with the possibility of combat «tonight» in mind.

Military infrastructure is also being strengthened near Russia’s borders. In southeastern Estonia, Postimees reported that a ten-kilometer line of ditches was built over two months in Setomaa Parish, close to the Pskov Region. According to the publication, embankments roughly the height of a person were created along the excavated sections. Anti-tank barriers known as «dragon’s teeth» have also been installed in some areas.

Moscow has repeatedly said in recent years that NATO activity near Russia’s western borders has reached an unprecedented level. The alliance describes its actions as deterrence against Russian aggression, while the Kremlin has voiced concern over the bloc’s military buildup in Europe. The Russian Foreign Ministry has also said Moscow remains ready for dialogue with NATO, but only on an equal basis.