On the evening of June 20, 2024, Swedish authorities reported that Russia has been disrupting Swedish television broadcasts.
According to Markus Oscarsson Russia is behind these disturbances, which have targeted Swedish satellite networks.
TV Broadcasts Interrupted
The interference has led to the disruption of Swedish TV broadcasts, with images from Russian parades replacing regular programming. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson expressed grave concern over the incident, stating, "These disruptions are, of course, serious and can be seen as part of broader Russian hybrid actions directed against Sweden and others," he told Bloomberg.
Sweden's Post and Telecom Authority has traced the disturbances to the occupied Crimean Peninsula. Reports from Ekot indicate that broadcasts have been interrupted and sometimes replaced with alternative content. The Swedish authority has sent a letter to UN agencies seeking an investigation. Russia has yet to comment publicly on the matter.
Recurring Issue
Russia's hybrid warfare tactics have been a recurring issue, posing a threat to countries like Sweden and Finland. Previously, Russia has sent migrants to Finland's border to destabilize the region and has repeatedly violated Swedish and Finnish airspace with military aircraft.
"The Russian aircraft was warned by Swedish air defense control. When this was ignored and the aircraft did not change its course, it was intercepted and escorted out of Swedish airspace by two JAS-39 Gripen jets," reported the Swedish Armed Forces.
"Unacceptable Behavior"
The most recent unauthorized flights by Russia occurred in 2022, when two Russian SU-27 and two SU-24 aircraft violated Swedish airspace over Gotland. Air Force Chief Jonas Wikman stated, "The Russian actions are unacceptable and show a lack of respect for our territorial integrity. We monitored the entire incident and were ready to intervene."
Experts warn that Russia will likely continue its hybrid warfare tactics against Western states in an effort to destabilize Europe.
