The Ukrainian coast guard, the Maritime Guard, was prepared for conventional warfare. It had trained and had cooperation agreements with the Navy. But everything was thrown overboard when Russia attacked on a large scale in 2022. The reality turned out to be completely different.
The Ukrainian coast guard works tirelessly, with strong assistance from the Swedish Coast Guard. At the end of February, a delegation including the Coast Guard's Director-General Lena Lindgren Schelin visited Ukraine.
Several units within the Swedish Coast Guard have taken part in the Swedish Armed Forces' exercise Aurora 26. The participation was part of the support that the Coast Guard can be expected to give the Swedish Armed Forces in a state of heightened alert or war.
The current security situation requires a greater presence and operational capability in the maritime environment. During Almedalen Week, the Swedish Coast Guard is holding several timely seminars to highlight developments.
The Coast Guard continues to be the government agency with the highest reputation among the public. In the analysis company Verian's annual survey of Swedes' views on government agencies, the Coast Guard tops the list for the sixth year in a row.
