Diplomacy

Sweden deploys 600 soldiers to Russian border in first NATO mission

Sweden deploys 600 soldiers to Russian border in first NATO mission
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Sweden has sent 600 troops to Latvia to secure the Russian border as part of its first NATO ground mission, Swedish Lieutenant Colonel Henrik Rosdal told SVT.

The deployment, conducted covertly by sea, will see the Swedish battalion stationed at the Latvian-Russian border for six months. The mission's primary goal is to deter Russia and prevent any actions threatening NATO members' territorial integrity.

This marks Sweden's first European peacekeeping operation since the 1990s, when Swedish forces participated in missions in Kosovo. More recently, Sweden's military has been active in conflict zones such as Mali and Afghanistan.

“In previous missions, we focused on peacebuilding. Now, we are heading to a peaceful country to prevent war. We are here in Latvia to ensure deterrence,” said Markus Nilsson, spokesperson for the South Scanian Regiment P7.

Sweden deploys 600 soldiers to Russian border in first NATO mission. Screenshot SVT

 

Sweden's NATO membership was finalized in spring 2024, following Finland’s accession in 2023, both spurred by Russia's war against Ukraine. Finland’s membership doubled NATO's border with Russia, adding 1,300 km.

Russian President Vladimir Putin initially justified the invasion of Ukraine as a measure to halt NATO's eastward expansion. However, after Sweden and Finland applied for membership, Putin downplayed their accession, saying, “If they want to join, let them.”

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