The once solidly "neutral" Nordic nations in Northern Europe are taking precautions to ready their citizens to be able to cope under war-like conditions as the security apparatus on the continent continues to deteriorate amid the war in Ukraine.

The two Nordic nations joined NATO after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. With tensions rising, they are preparing their citizens in the event the threat spreads.

Sweden on Monday began sending millions of pamphlets advising residents how to prepare for possible war and Finland launched a new website, as Ukraine fights the grinding three-year Russian invasion.

Sweden has a long history of producing war-time manuals for its citizens. "If War Comes" was produced in World War Two and updated during the Cold War. One passage has been elevated in the new booklet: "If Sweden is attacked by another country, we will never give up. All information to the effect that resistance is to cease is false."

Finland, which shares a border with Russia, also has a digital brochure advising citizens how to survive in war. The e-document insists the state is "well prepared for self defenc