Sweden bolsters defence of Gotland in response to heightened concerns from Russia PHOTO

Amidst concerns over Russia's threat, Sweden has fortified the defence of Gotland Island in the Baltic Sea.

Commander-in-Chief of the Swedish Armed Forces, Mikael Büden, affirmed Sweden's commitment to safeguarding its territory, asserting Gotland's right to self-defence, according to RND.

"Gotland is Swedish territory, so Sweden has an obligation to defend it, and Gotland has the right to defend itself. There were times when we reduced our military presence on Gotland to such an extent that only the volunteer internal defence forces remained there. Those times of peace are over," he stated.

Büden added that the war in Ukraine has changed the political situation in Europe and Sweden has had to seriously rearm Gotland.

"We now protect the island with permanently deployed units and temporarily move additional forces there if the threat situation increases. Whoever controls Gotland controls the Baltic Sea. At the moment it is us," he added.

He reassured that the island is well-defended, with readiness for both defensive and offensive operations if required.