Swedish military seeks to take over Russian-owned estate near naval base

Sweden's armed forces have requested the government to expropriate a Russian-owned property near a naval base, citing security concerns. The military is seeking to seize a beach plot near Muskö base in Stockholm's archipelago, due to the threat posed by Russian drones and the property's ownership situation. According to Swedish reports, a businessman with ties to the Russian state has been constructing a luxurious house on Muskö island, although his wife, who holds both Russian and Swedish citizenship, is listed as the registered owner.

Two years ago, Sweden transitioned from a policy of non-alignment to joining NATO in response to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The military explained that the location offers unique advantages for enhancing the defense of the Muskö Naval Base, particularly against drone attacks. They emphasized that the evolution of Russian drone warfare has altered Sweden's threat landscape. Public broadcaster SVT reported that the property has been a persistent issue for the armed forces. Defence Minister Pål Jonson stated that the country must ensure there is no risk of anyone gaining a tactical advantage or visibility into the site.

The armed forces quote Chief of the Defence Staff Carl-Johan Edström as asserting that Sweden is currently facing the most significant security challenge since the conclusion of World War Two. It remains uncertain whether the Russian businessman is currently residing in Sweden. However, his wife is believed to have owned the property since 2017.