Olena Blizniakova

We reach the 37th Marine Brigade's stabilization point in the Dnipropetrovsk region. The approach road is battered, winding beneath a canopy of anti-drone nets. When we return a few weeks later, even more layers have been added.

What role do civilians play in defending their country in the event of a military attack? As Russia continues its aggression against Ukraine and hybrid war against Europe, Sweden is resurrecting its Cold War-era “Total Defense” strategy. Speaking exclusively with Sweden’s top civil defense officials, we explore how Stockholm is preparing every layer of society using hard-won lessons from Ukraine’s defense.

As Russian aggression drives Sweden into NATO after decades of military non-alignment, its top commanders are turning to Ukraine to understand how modern war is evolving in real time.

What the Gripen fighter jet was built to do, what it could offer Ukraine, and one former Swedish Air Force pilot’s view of two nations united by yellow and blue.

While Russia is taking lives, others are doing everything they can to save them. Every day, thousands of combat medics and doctors make their utmost effort to preserve the lives and health of Ukraine’s defenders. In evacuation vehicles, at stabilization points, and in hospitals, their mission remains unchanged—to ensure their patients survive. We spoke with four medics about the challenges they face.

As Russia’s full-scale war nears its fourth year, Sweden keeps stepping up to support Ukraine. In an exclusive interview, Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard outlines new aid for 2026 and highlights growing military cooperation—including plans to train Ukrainian pilots on Swedish jets.