Stockholm: Russia could seek to test NATO's unity and collective defense commitments in the "relatively near future," Sweden's Defense Commission warned Friday. In an interim report, the commission highlighted the possibility of an armed attack on Sweden or one of its allies, emphasizing that such a scenario cannot be completely dismissed.

According to Anadolu Agency, the commission, which includes lawmakers and government experts, expressed concerns over a potentially rapid deterioration of the security situation. The commission called for an accelerated effort in military and civil defense rearmament. The warning aligns with heightened vigilance in Finland, where Russian military activities near the border are being closely monitored.

Finnish Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen, speaking to public broadcaster Yle, noted that Russia is expanding military infrastructure and increasing troop numbers near Finland. He highlighted that Russia is establishing new military units, multiplying troop presence, and enhancing its capability to quickly mobilize troops from other regions of Russia. These observations come amid reports of a new military garrison being constructed in Petrozavodsk, close to the Finnish border.

Despite these developments, Hakkanen reassured citizens by stating that there is no immediate threat and that Finns can remain at ease. Both Sweden and Finland joined NATO following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, marking the end of their longstanding military non-alignment.