Political and military figures in Scandinavia and the Baltic states are making a serious strategic mistake by competing with one another in increasingly aggressive rhetoric toward Russia, according to Grigory Karasin, chairman of the Federation Council Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Karasin said officials across the region appear to be pushing each other toward tougher statements while trying to project greater strength and resolve. He argued that repeatedly threatening Russia is a dangerous course for the countries involved.

His comments followed remarks by Colonel Carl Bergqvist, head of the Swedish Air Warfare Center. Bergqvist said that if Russia were to attack Sweden, the Swedish Air Force would not limit itself to defensive operations. According to him, Swedish forces are preparing for offensive action that could include strikes against targets deep inside Russian territory. He described this approach as a deterrent rather than preparation for a preventive attack.

Karasin also referred to the recent UN High-Level Week, saying discussions there addressed ways to make the organization more effective and increase the demands placed on member states. In his view, statements that fuel confrontation should carry consequences.

Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia was not preparing for war with Europe and had neither grounds nor motives for such a conflict. He described claims about a possible Russian attack as deliberate escalation and linked them to European efforts to maintain support for Ukraine.