The Swedish Institute, SI, makes recurring analyzes of how Sweden is described in foreign media.
In Russia, the scope for independent media has diminished since the invasion of Ukraine, and SI's analysis is based mainly on the state-controlled media.
Sweden is described as "Russophobic" and a country with an unfounded fear of Russia, says Sofia Bard, head of the unit for Sweden analysis.
- We call this narrative "The disturbing neighbor".
"Sweden controlled by the United States or NATO"
Right now, the Russian Sweden reporting largely consists of the debate on NATO membership.
- When Swedish representatives express themselves positively about NATO, then it is reported that Sweden is manipulated, independent and that we are controlled by the United States or NATO.
And when someone is a little more hesitant or negative, then it is reported as something positive in Russia.
Positive image of Sweden among the population
But the image of Sweden in the average Russian is probably still good, according to the Swedish Institute's assessment.
- We can not see the same narrative about Sweden among the Russian population, they rather have a positive image.
Sometimes negative reporting about Sweden is nothing new.
SI's analysis from 2020 shows that 60 percent of Russians are positive about Sweden.
Only 2 percent of Russians have a negative attitude towards Sweden.
- Knowledge of Sweden is quite low in Russia, but you still have a clear picture of what Sweden stands for.
Sweden is a modern country with special strengths in society, the environment, climate and human rights.
Young Russians share Swedish values
The most positive image of Sweden is found among the younger population.
- Among the young, there are many who share values with Sweden.
A new analysis of the Russian population's view of Sweden is expected to be completed by autumn 2022.
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Popular Swedes are accused of being Nazis in Russian propaganda Photo: SVT / Faksimil