Swedish intelligence chief warns Russian threat to neighbors will persist beyond Putin, highlighting ongoing strategic confrontation and Russian military build-up near NATO.

Thomas Nilsson, head of Sweden's military intelligence agency, stated in an interview with Bloomberg that Russia will remain a threat to neighboring countries long after President Vladimir Putin leaves office. He described the current crisis as a deep, structural, and enduring strategic confrontation with no way back. Satellite imagery suggests Russia is building out its military presence near NATO's eastern flank, planning to establish a larger, structured military force from northern Finland southwards, although these are mainly plans currently due to focus on Ukraine war. Nilsson believes once Russia regains resources, it will pursue these military expansion plans. President Putin has criticized Sweden and Finland joining NATO and threatened retaliatory force deployments. Swedish psychological defense officials report most Swedes view Russia as a deadly threat.