Gotland is preparing for the worst-case scenario. Large-scale evacuations were practiced

Evacuation of civilians – every scenario taken into account

The exercises were conducted on a grand scale, under the supervision of the army, police, Red Cross and local authorities.

The scenario assumed the evacuation of residents, with particular emphasis on the elderly, children and people with disabilities - so as to practice each, even the most difficult, case. The destruction of roads and the need to use temporary crossings were simulated - a specially built 24-meter bridge made it possible to check how quickly key transport connections on the island can be restored in a crisis situation.

Princess and modern technology on the island

A great surprise for the volunteers and organizers was the unexpected visit of Princess Victoria, heir to the throne of Sweden. Her presence not only raised the morale of the participants, but also drew public attention to the importance of the Gotland operation.

The exercises are not only classic "dress rehearsals" - the use of modern technologies was tested, including solutions inspired by the war in Ukraine. Anti-drone protection has appeared on Gotland, such as special nets to protect strategic infrastructure against air attacks.

Why Gotland?

Despite the small number of inhabitants, Gotland plays a key strategic role - as the military emphasizes, whoever controls the island has a real impact on the safety of navigation in the Baltic Sea. Gotland's location - less than 300 km from the Russian Königsberg Oblast - makes its military security a priority for both Stockholm and the entire NATO alliance.

The Swedish government restored a permanent military garrison to the island in 2018. Now further units are being expanded and a reserve port is being built in the north of Gotland - in case the main city of Visby is lost.

"Gotlanders are not panicking"

According to Maciej Onoszko from the local branch of the Swedish-Polish Society, the inhabitants of the island take this type of activities very seriously, but they are far from panicking. They are as strong as the Kashubians in Poland, Onoszko comments with a smile.

The authorities emphasize that the project is not related to any current events or provocations in the region - the exercises have been planned for a long time.