Lessons are learned in a darkened Kyiv.
On site in Ukraine, Mikael Frisell, Director General of the Swedish Civil Defence Agency (MCF), sees what it takes to protect a country from an adversary who does not care about convention.
Russia has now shown that it does not care if it hits civilian targets; it is violating international law. It has become an eye-opener for the entire Western world that we must do something about this vulnerability.
“Total Defense Concept 2.0”
The Russian attacks on infrastructure and energy show that Swedish preparedness can no longer rest on IT security and peacetime organizational plans.
When the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency was transformed into the MCF at the turn of the year, the new focus on defense in war became clear.
The lessons from Ukraine provide what Frisell calls the “total defense concept 2.0.” This involves both active protection - such as air defenses that can shoot down attacks - and passive ones.
We usually say 'concrete Lego' - building kits with concrete that you can put over critical things. You can mask and make fake targets.
Together with the Swedish Armed Forces, MCF has identified 128 (out of Sweden's 290) municipalities where critical infrastructure poses an increased risk of hostile attacks. The map is secret to the public, but shows the importance of focusing on well-functioning warning systems and physical protection.
Away from paperwork
But once the attack has occurred, the damage must also be repaired immediately. To ensure that ability, the civil duty has been reactivated.
We see how incredibly good they are in Ukraine at repairing. We need that capacity here too.
To succeed, Sweden must put an end to bureaucracy and “administrative drainpipe thinking.” Municipalities, companies and citizens need to be able to adapt to collaborate across borders.
That's where the activities that are essential to society are conducted. That's where it has to work if we are to maintain society. It's not that we, the authorities at the national level, write a lot of papers.
In Kyiv, restaurants are staying open thanks to electricity. Despite the enveloping winter darkness, Ukrainians are going out to eat and meet.
It is not armies that win wars today, but rather society and its ability to handle these threats, says Frisell.
On January 1, 2026, the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) changed its name to the Swedish Civil Defence Agency (MCF).
The government announced the name change in October 2024. The justification is that the new name is more in line with the authority's mission and responsibilities.
The background to the name change is that Sweden is in the most serious security situation since World War II. War and armed attack cannot be ruled out. It is the total defense, the joint ability of civil and military defense, that is war deterrence.
The Civil Defence Agency is the leading, directing and coordinating authority in civil defence. The authority ensures that society is prepared for crisis, heightened alert and war.
Source: mcf.se
