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Sweden Today

Swedish news in English

Friday, December 27, 2024

Sweden's Gotland Plans Stir Russia's Ire Amid NATO Tensions

Published: 2024-04-05

Sweden, amidst tensions with Russia over its NATO membership, faces accusations from the Russian Foreign Ministry of planning a "provocative" NATO base on the strategically significant island of Gotland in the Baltic Sea.

Russia warns that such actions could transform the Baltic Sea into a "geopolitical confrontation arena," threatening maritime safety and escalating regional tensions.

Despite these allegations, official Swedish sources clarify that there are no plans for a NATO base; however, a new reserve port on northern Gotland is in development for both civilian and military use.

This move comes as part of Sweden's enhanced security measures in response to the evolving security landscape and its NATO membership.

The re-establishment of Russia's Leningrad Military District, aiming to counter perceived threats, adds to the complexity of the situation.