Europe in tension People shaken by military threats October 5, 18:50

Tensions are rising among European nations facing Russia's military threat as Russia also begins partial mobilization of its reserves to serve in Ukraine's battlefields.

Lithuania, one of the three Baltic countries that was once annexed to the Soviet Union, has strengthened its national defense, such as announcing that it has raised the alert level of its immediate response forces.

Furthermore, Sweden, which has changed its military neutrality that it has maintained for more than 200 years and has decided to join NATO, is also rapidly building up its armaments.

Changes in the country's security policy have caused turmoil among the public.

Where is European security headed?

I interviewed people who were shaken by military threats.

(NHK Special "Century of Confusion" coverage group)

Lithuania calls for total resistance to Russia

Lithuania with a population of 2.8 million.

It is sandwiched between Belarus, an ally of Russia, and the Kaliningrad enclave, home to the Russian naval base.

It is an important line of defense, as the Baltic states would be isolated if about 100 kilometers of borders were closed.

When I headed to the capital Vilnius, the first thing that caught my eye was the Ukrainian flags everywhere.

An electronic message board on a public bus also displayed words expressing support for Ukraine.

Day after day, rallies were held in squares throughout the city demanding support for Ukraine and an all-out resistance to Russia.

Mr. Slajev:

"When I hear the sound of an airplane, I subconsciously think it's a civilian plane or a military plane. I feel fear and tension because of the war in Ukraine. I wonder if something will happen in our country." "

Mr. Surajev has continued to send equipment such as bulletproof vests and helmets to Ukraine.

They have also been to the border and protested against cargo shipments from Russia.

Slajeb believes Lithuania can only remain safe if it does not take a tough stance against Russia.

Slajev:

"Ukraine must win this war. If Ukraine loses, Lithuania will also disappear. The next target is our country. Russia does not accept the existence of a small country."

NATO reinforcement Resurrection of conscription system Defense education for children

The Lithuanian government is strengthening its national defense.

Following the military invasion, it increased its defense budget to 2.5% of GDP.

In addition, it is working to expand its bases and training grounds to accommodate more NATO troops.

Deputy Defense Minister Abkevicius of Lithuania:

“The only correct approach to Russia is containment and debilitation. We need more allied forces.”

Lithuania has strengthened its defense forces since Russia's annexation of Crimea.

Conscription was reinstated in 2015.

Every year, some men between the ages of 18 and 23 serve in the military for nine months.

It is said that the frequency of practical training after a military invasion is increasing, such as training that assumes a situation in which an enemy army invades across the border.

Soldiers under conscription:

"I would be very sad if Russia invaded Lithuania, but we will fight back as best we can. Practical training is important for that, it really helps and encourages me."

In addition, we are promoting defense education for young people.

During the summer holidays, training camps for young people aged 11 to 18 were held all over Lithuania.

There, he was taught military discipline, survival techniques, and even how to handle weapons.

Although the weapons weren't real guns, there was a sense of tension in the way the children held their guns.

In Lithuania, it is considered important that every citizen, not just the Armed Forces, is empowered to resist.

A strong sense of crisis for national defense Bitter memories of the former Soviet era in the background

The people of Lithuania have a strong sense of crisis about national defense.

In the background, there is a harsh history of being annexed by the Soviet Union.

In the capital Vilnius, there are still prisons managed by the KGB State Security Committee, the Soviet intelligence agency.

More than 20,000 people are believed to have died in these prisons and concentration camps, where alleged dissidents and actual resistance were tortured and executed.

Zita Jankuine, 84, had a father who served in the Lithuanian army.

When she was annexed by the Soviet Union, her father fled and disappeared for fear of being detained.

The remaining family members were said to have been forced to live under strict surveillance by the KGB, the Soviet intelligence agency.

Mr. Yanquine expressed his anxiety that he never wanted to return to his old life.

“We felt

occupied even at home. But Lithuania may too, and who knows what will happen next.”

Sweden has applied for NATO membership, turning from 200 years of military neutrality

In response to Russia's military invasion, Sweden made a major shift in its national policies that had been followed until now.

For nearly 200 years, it has remained militarily neutral without joining an alliance.

However, he decided that he could no longer protect the country with military neutrality, and decided to apply for NATO membership three months after the invasion.

“Russia’s military aggression has fundamentally changed security in Europe. The safest option was to make a quick decision and apply for NATO membership

.

I made a decision after discussing it with

“National defense issues” attracted more attention than usual in the general election

In September of this year, Sweden held a general election once every four years.

In the elections, nearly all parties had pledged to strengthen national defense.

Prime Minister Andersson

: "In Sweden, almost all parties are now advocating for strengthening the national defense. I am proud of that."

Sweden has said it will increase its defense spending to 2% of GDP, which is roughly double the NATO target.

In response to this, voters were interested in how to secure the financial resources.

In Sweden, it is customary for parties to build huts in town squares, station members and volunteers, and hold debates with voters.

There was more interest than usual in the "national defense issue", and various discussions were held there.

Voter: "Where will the defense budget come from?"

Political party staffer: "Our party will reassess the wastefulness of the current budget. We plan to do so gradually over time."

“Social security should be cut” center-right political party to govern

How do we secure funding for national defense spending?

During the election campaign, each party was divided.

The ruling party (before the re-election), the center-left Social Democratic Labor Party, has set out to "increase taxes on the wealthy."

He said he would strengthen his national defense while maintaining the current generous social security.

On the other hand, the main opposition party (before the election), the center-right moderate party, opposes the tax increase proposal, saying, "If the already high tax rate is raised any further, it will affect people's lives and the economy."

On top of that, he argued that the defense budget should be raised by curtailing social security and other expenses.

As a result of the election, it was expected that the moderate party, which called for restraint on social security expenses, would lead the government.

Jonsson

: “We need tougher priorities. Tighten things like unemployment insurance and focus on what we really need.”

Military build-up in Gotland affects the lives of residents

Sweden is rapidly strengthening its national defense on the island of Gotland, which faces the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad.

Bisbee, the central city of the island, is a popular tourist destination and is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After the Cold War, Sweden proceeded with disarmament, and the garrison on Gotland was withdrawn in 2000.

However, following the annexation of Crimea by Russia, the troops were redeployed.

Furthermore, following the recent military invasion, the build-up has accelerated.

Joint exercises with NATO were also held on the island in June.

The island's military buildup is beginning to affect the livelihoods of its inhabitants.

The military is buying land from residents to expand its training grounds and controlled areas.

I was able to talk to a couple who live near the practice field.

Thirty years ago, the couple bought their dream home in a suburb just outside the central city of Bisbee, wanting to live in a quiet environment.

They have enjoyed a life unique to the island by adding house little by little and raising horses.

However, the training ground has gradually expanded, and now the house is surrounded by military grounds.

Anita Levandel

"It wasn't so close before. I used to be able to enjoy horseback riding freely, but now I can't move freely, so it's a pity."

This spring, the couple received a request from the military to relinquish their home and land.

The couple are faced with a difficult choice to let go of their home.

Bo Levandel:

Gotland is strategically located, so I think it's a good idea to build up the military. The island is like an aircraft carrier floating in the middle of the Baltic Sea. It's a house I brought with me, so it's difficult to decide to sell it."

More than half of the people in Sweden support the application for NATO membership.

However, citizens' groups continue to raise their voices of opposition, saying that the debate has not been exhausted.

Organizer Eva Mildal:

"Sweden is a small country, but it has been militarily neutral. But now it is squeezed between the conflicts between the great powers. We will continue to discuss with the people."

The Stockholm Institute for International Peace, which analyzes the world's military situation, points out the dangers of the current situation in which countries are accelerating their military buildup.

Last year, global military spending surpassed $2 trillion for the first time, the highest since statistics began to be collected.

We expect that number to increase further this year.

Smith, Director of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute

: “Individual countries and governments have very good reasons for spending military money for their own security. On the contrary, the world will become less safe.”

Europe is undergoing a rapid military build-up due to rising military threats.

In Asia, many countries, including Japan, are planning to increase their defense spending in line with China's military buildup, and the world's armaments are steadily increasing.

I feel that we must continue to pay close attention to whether this will bring stability to the world.

NHK Special The Century of Confusion

"2nd Accelerating 'Power Game' ~ Drastic Change / World Security ~"

First broadcast date: October 9, 2022