Sweden's Military Security and Intelligence Service (Must) has released a report indicating that the threat from Russia will persist even after President Vladimir Putin. The agency assesses that the Kremlin's long-term strategy will maintain confrontation with the West, particularly targeting nations in Europe that are viewed as adversarial, Sweden included. This report reflects insights from Must's annual overview, which emphasizes that the geopolitical tensions are expected to continue unabated.

Must's experts on Russia express skepticism about any potential shifts in the Russian government's internal politics that might lead to a de-escalation of tensions. They point out that even in scenarios where Putin might resign, be ousted, or pass away, there is little indication that the fundamental policies of the Russian leadership would change. Instead, the report suggests that Kremlin's adversarial approach is deeply ingrained and will likely persist regardless of who may emerge as the new leader.

The implications of this assessment are significant for Sweden and its allies in Europe. As the military landscape evolves, Sweden may need to reassess its defense strategies and diplomatic engagements to address the ongoing threat from Russia. The acknowledgment of a sustained risk underscores the necessity for Sweden to strengthen its national security measures and preparedness against potential aggression, highlighting the broader challenge faced by Western nations in managing their relationship with an increasingly assertive Russia.