Feb 18 β€’ 12:57 UTC πŸ‡ΈπŸ‡ͺ Sweden Aftonbladet

SD opens for nuclear weapons on Swedish soil

The Sweden Democrats suggest the possibility of deploying nuclear weapons in Sweden during a gray-zone situation between war and peace, citing increased deterrence against Russia.

The Sweden Democrats (SD) have indicated their openness to the idea of placing nuclear weapons on Swedish soil should the country find itself in a precarious situation between war and peace. This statement comes from SD's spokesperson Aron Emilsson during a foreign policy debate in the parliament, reflecting a significant shift in Sweden's traditional stance on nuclear armament. Currently, Sweden adheres to an agreement that prohibits the placement of nuclear weapons on its territory during peacetime, but Emilsson argues that the volatile security situation necessitates a reevaluation of this policy.

Emilsson emphasizes that while the current suggestion does not indicate an immediate action plan, it underscores the need to abandon strict prohibitive policies regarding nuclear armaments in light of changing geopolitical dynamics. He states that being fully integrated into NATO's nuclear planning is essential to enhance Sweden's security deterrent, particularly against perceived threats from Russia. This openness to rethinking Sweden's nuclear policy is reflective of broader anxieties within Europe regarding national security in an era marked by increasing tensions with neighboring nations.

The implications of such a stance could be substantial, both domestically and internationally, potentially leading to new debates on defense policies in Sweden. This could also escalate discussions around NATO's nuclear strategy and Sweden's role within it. The suggestion resonates amid growing concerns over Russian military activities in the region, and the SD's position may influence future defense discussions in the Swedish parliament and among its NATO allies.

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