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Coordinated dismissals come in response to expulsion of three EU diplomats by Moscow last weekGermany, Poland and Sweden have each expelled a Russian diplomat in a coordinated act of retaliation over the expulsion of three EU officials by Moscow while the bloc’s foreign policy chief was visiting last week.The tit-for-tat expulsions on Monday underscored the volatility in east-west relations and an erosion of trust...

Military run down after cold war but Russian activity in Baltic Sea forces hasty rearmamentSweden will increase military spending by about 40% in the next five years and double the number of people conscripted into its armed forces as it aims to strengthen its defence amid growing tensions with Russia, the government has said.The country, which is not a member of Nato but enjoys...

When I suggested the UK adopt Swedish-style checklists, officials said they would cause panicMany people have been buying, indeed hoarding, loo roll as part of their preparations for the advance of Covid-19. Stockpiling toilet paper is a terrible precaution. At least now with the further spread of the virus, Boris Johnson has called on the public to “commit wholeheartedly to a national effort”.The fundamental...

Cavernous docks can shelter warships, with miles of tunnels, offices, and a hospitalSweden’s navy HQ is returning to a vast underground cold war fortress designed to withstand a nuclear attack, in what has been seen as a defensive move against a resurgent Russia.After a 25-year absence, the navy will once again be commanded from beneath billions of tonnes of granite as the country strives...