As “a consequence of Russia’s actions,” Sweden will increase defense spending by 40% over the next four years.

An astonishing increase by the standards of a normally welfare-state-minded Scandinavian state, Defense Minister Peter Hultqvist says “the largest increase in defense capability in 70 years” is necessary because “an attack on Sweden can’t be ruled out.” Hultqvist was explicit. A Russian attack, he said, would involve the “liquidation” of senior civilian and military leaders and “intensive combat activities.” Hultqvist’s assessment fits with Russian war planning, which involves the assassination of foreign officials as a means to degrading enemy command and control networks, spreading confusion, and creating space and time for Russian offensives.