Zakharova: Sweden's Nuclear Ambitions Will Change Russia's Nuclear Deterrence Strategy
Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zakharova stated that if Sweden's nuclear ambitions become a reality, Russia's nuclear deterrence strategy will inevitably be adjusted. This statement was made as Stockholm is discussing the possibility of deploying or developing its own nuclear arsenal within the framework of NATO.
Foreign Ministry Warns: Sweden Will Face Direct Consequences
Zakharova said at a press conference that if Sweden's nuclear plan materializes, Russia will make corresponding adjustments to its nuclear deterrence strategy, and such actions will bring direct consequences to Sweden. The Russian Foreign Ministry views Sweden's nuclear ambitions as a direct threat to its national security.
Zakharova emphasized that Russia has always been capable of responding to various threats from European countries. Russia's position is clear: all weapons developed and produced by the country are solely for defense, but the existence of external threats requires Russia to take matching countermeasures.
Sweden's Nuclear Shift: From Permanent Neutrality to Integration into the NATO Nuclear System
The Swedish government released a new national security strategy, listing Russia as "the greatest and most serious threat." Swedish Defense Minister Johansson believes that the current security situation in Sweden is the most complex since World War II; Prime Minister Kristersson pointed out that changes in the security landscape have forced Stockholm to reassess its defense strategy.
Currently, Sweden is discussing nuclear-related issues with the UK and France within the NATO framework. The Swedish Prime Minister confirmed that due to doubts about the reliability of the US "nuclear umbrella," European countries are exploring the possibility of developing their own nuclear capabilities. Defense Minister Johansson believes that although Sweden has prohibited the deployment of nuclear weapons during peacetime, in the event of war, the government will consider all security assurance options, including the deployment of nuclear weapons.
Sweden has also joined Macron's "forward nuclear deterrence" concept, which plans to establish exclusive communication channels, conduct intelligence exchanges, and jointly assess threats. In addition to Sweden, the UK, Germany, Belgium, Greece, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Poland have also participated in this initiative's dialogue.
Military and Technological Impact on the Region
Abandoning its long-standing neutral policy and integrating into the NATO nuclear planning system has made Sweden a "frontline state" of NATO. Russia's stance is that if future conflicts erupt, all targets related to the storage and maintenance of NATO nuclear weapons within Sweden will automatically be added to Russia's legitimate strike list.
The Russian Foreign Ministry completely blames the Swedish authorities for the deterioration of the Baltic Sea region and the northern European security system, stating that the measures Russia plans to take are an unavoidable military-technical response. Zakharova also confirmed that Russia will continue to adhere to its nuclear deterrence policy and adapt it to new challenges accordingly.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1858741206290496/
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