Sweden sends leaflets to 5m homes on how to prepare for war with Russia

Last year's Aurora-17 exercise was the biggest war game held in Sweden for 23 years. Photo / Swedish Armed Forces

Sweden is preparing to issue a public information manual on what to do in the event of war, as debate in the country grows over how to deal with the threat from Russia.

The brochure, due to be sent to 4.7m households, will inform the public how they can take part in "total defence" during a war and secure water, food and heating.

The booklet with the working title If Crisis or War Comes will also give guidance on dealing with threats from cyber attacks, terrorism and climate change, the FT reported.

Russia's annexation of Crimea and military support for Ukrainian separatists, along with increased activity and exercises near the Baltics and Scandinavia have caused deep unease in Sweden.

Sweden last year voted to reintroduce conscription. Photo / Swedish Armed Forces

The neutral country has begun to reverse deep post war defence cuts and incursions by Russian planes and submarines have sparked intense public debate over whether to join Nato.

In September 2017, the country held its biggest military exercise in 23 years, with war games involving 19,000 Swedish personnel and allies from Finland, Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, France, Norway and America.

The country last year voted to reintroduce conscription.

"All of society needs to be prepared for conflict, not just the military. We haven't been using words such as total defence or high alert for 25-30 years or more. So the knowledge among citizens is very low," said Christina Andersson, leader of the project at the Swedish civil contingencies agency.