How are Nordic countries Sweden, Finland, Norway, and Denmark preparing for potential war amid Russia-Ukraine conflict?

As Russia-Ukraine conflict intensifies, Nordic countries—Sweden, Finland, Norway, and Denmark—are increasing efforts to prepare their populations for potential crises, urging citizens to stockpile essentials and mentally brace for possible military conflict.

Sweden began distributing millions of pamphlets on Monday to advise residents on how to prepare for a potential war, while Finland launched a new website as Ukraine continues its battle against the ongoing three-year Russian invasion. Norway is distributing millions of pamphlets with guidance on handling extreme weather, war, and national threats, while Denmark is emailing digital advice on essential supplies for managing crises for up to three days.

Sweden's push for wartime readiness

Sweden, which shifted from military non-alignment to NATO membership following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, is preparing its citizens for potential war. The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) has distributed millions of updated pamphlets titled "If Crisis or War Comes" to households across the country.

"The security situation is serious and we all need to strengthen our resilience to face various crises and ultimately war," said Mikael Frisell, the director of the Swedish agency.

Over the next two weeks, 5.2 million households will receive the updated version, marking the first significant revision since 2018. The pamphlet offers guidance on preparing for war, natural disasters, and cyber or terror attacks, and emphasizes stocking up on non-perishable food, water, and cash.

What’s inside Sweden’s crisis preparedness guide?

The newly updated pamphlet states: "Military threat levels are rising. We must be prepared for the worst-case scenario—an armed attack on Sweden."

The 32-page pamphlet offers guidance on preparing for war, natural disasters, and cyber or terror attacks. It also gives suggestion to stockpile non-perishable food and water, keep cash on hand, and grow fruits and vegetables at home.

The 2018 version of the pamphlet was the first to be distributed since 1961, during the height of the Cold War. According to the Swedish agency, the 2024 edition places a greater emphasis on preparing for potential war than its predecessor.

The brochure is available in print in both Swedish and English, with digital versions offered in several languages, including Arabic, Farsi, Ukrainian, Polish, Somali, and Finnish.

Historical context of Sweden's defense budget

The newly updated pamphlet states: "Military threat levels are rising. We must be prepared for the worst-case scenario—an armed attack on Sweden."

The 32-page pamphlet offers guidance on preparing for war, natural disasters, and cyber or terror attacks. It also gives suggestion to stockpile non-perishable food and water, keep cash on hand, and grow fruits and vegetables at home.

The 2018 version of the pamphlet was the first to be distributed since 1961, during the height of the Cold War. According to the Swedish agency, the 2024 edition places a greater emphasis on preparing for potential war than its predecessor. The brochure is available in print in both Swedish and English, with digital versions offered in several languages, including Arabic, Farsi, Ukrainian, Polish, Somali, and Finnish.

Finland’s digital platform for crisis preparedness

In a separate initiative, Finland's government launched a website designed to provide information on how to prepare for various crises including military conflict. The Finnish government ’s online brochure, available in multiple languages, outlines the country’s response to an armed attack and emphasizes the nation's self-defense capabilities. This modern approach aims to inform and empower citizens efficiently through digital means.

Finland to build 200-kilometre border Fence with Russia

With a 1,340-kilometre (830-mile) border with Russia, Finland has long maintained a heightened state of preparedness. However, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Helsinki unveiled plans to construct a 200-kilometre border fence with Russia.

The fence, set to be completed by 2026, will stand three metres (10 feet) tall and be topped with barbed wire.

Last year, Finland also closed its eight border crossings with Russia, citing an influx of migrants that Helsinki described as a hybrid attack orchestrated by Moscow.

Norway and Denmark enhance emergency readiness

Norway is similarly preparing its citizens by sending out millions of paper copies of a preparedness pamphlet. This guide includes practical advice for handling extreme weather, war, and other national threats, with a focus on essential supplies like long-life food, medicines, and iodine tablets in case of nuclear accidents. Meanwhile, Denmark has opted for digital communication, emailing detailed advice to citizens on necessary supplies to manage crises for up to three days.

Why now?

The rise in preparedness campaigns in Nordic countries is a direct reaction to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with concerns growing about the possibility of the war spilling over into other parts of Europe.

Ukraine has recently conducted its first attack on Russian soil using US-supplied ATACMS long-range missiles, targeting the Bryansk region. This marks a significant milestone—1,000 days since Russia’s invasion—prompting condemnation from Moscow, which views Washington's decision to provide such missiles as a provocation signaling a new phase in the conflict.

With Russia’s aggressive actions reshaping the security landscape, the Nordic nations are thus reinforcing their civil defense strategies to ensure their citizens are ready for anything, from natural disasters to a full-scale military conflict.