Sweden, Finland and Norway release new advice on surviving war amid concerns over Russia, Ukraine escalation

As tensions continue to rise in Europe amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, the once solidly “neutral” Nordic nations in Northern Europe are taking precautions to ready their citizens to cope under war-like conditions. Sweden, Finland, Norway, and Denmark have all recently issued preparedness booklets to millions of households, outlining what to do in the event of war or unexpected crisis.

Sweden, which has a long history of distributing preparedness booklets dating back to World War II, recently updated and expanded its booklet due to the deteriorating security situation in Europe. The new version, titled “If the crisis or war comes,” emphasizes the country’s commitment to never giving up if attacked by another nation. Civil Defense Minister Carl-Oskar Bohlin has warned that “there could be war in Sweden,” urging officials to bolster the country’s defenses.

Finland, which shares a border with Russia and joined NATO in 2023, also distributed crisis preparedness guidance to its citizens. The Finnish government emphasized the importance of being well-prepared for self-defense, noting that threats to Helsinki may not always manifest as direct military force. The guidance, released digitally due to cost concerns, advises citizens to be prepared for long power outages, disruptions to banking and internet services, and stock up on essential items.

Norway, a NATO founding member, sent out over 2 million copies of a pamphlet urging Norwegians to be prepared for up to a week in the event of war, crises, or extreme weather. The government advised citizens to stock up on canned foods, water, matches, candles, first aid kits, medicines, and iodine tablets to protect against radioactive iodine in case of nuclear accidents.

Denmark, which encouraged its citizens to have three days’ worth of essential items on hand over the summer, is also closely monitoring the security situation in Europe. Western leaders have warned Russia that any attack on a NATO nation will result in a united response from all 32 member countries.

As the security apparatus in Europe continues to deteriorate, the Nordic nations are taking proactive steps to ensure their citizens are prepared for any potential crisis or conflict. By distributing preparedness booklets and providing guidance on how to cope under war-like conditions, these countries are prioritizing the safety and well-being of their populations in an increasingly uncertain geopolitical landscape.