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The level of threat posed by the Kremlin’s military arm is at its peak as Swedish officials order their regional governments to enter “crisis mode” and prepare for conflict. The exact nature of the Russian threat is unknown as Sweden’s Civil Contingencies Agency is keeping the precise details secret from the general public and even elements of its own government.

GETTY Vladimir Putin is preparing to attack Sweden, intelligence claims

Last year, the Swedish government stepped-up its resilience by bringing back the Total Defence Strategy, revived from the Cold War, which includes civil and economic forms of defence in case of attack. Russia simulated a nuclear attack on Sweden last year as part of a series of twisted war games, which prompted the country’s defence minister Peter Hultqvist to send 150 troops and tanks to the remote Gotland island in case Putin tried to annex it for himself, similar to Crimea.

GETTY Russia's military might could see them try to annex parts of Sweden

At the time, Wilhelm Agrell, professor of intelligence analysis, said: “Something has happened in the intelligence picture. “The citizens do not know what it is. However, we can see the effects of it. “The rapid deployment of forces on Gotland is highly unusual.”

GETTY Putin's dark forces have also allegedly wages cyber attacks against Sweden

It comes after a series of cyber attacks on Swedish government computer systems were traced back to Moscow as the Kremlin chief tries to exert his influence beyond his own borders. A fake letter was published, purportedly from Mr Hultqvist, criticising his own government. Major General Gunnar Karlson, spoke openly about Russian attempts to influence Sweden during an interview with SVT’s Agenda show on Sunday evening.

Inside the Russian Army Mon, January 9, 2017 A look inside the powerful Russian Army. Play slideshow REX/Shutterstock 1 of 50 Russian Special Forces: Exercises include taking full-force punches in the chest from their commanding officers without flinching