BACKGROUND
In 2014, with Russia on the verge of expanding its influence into Ukraine, NATO decided to conduct a preemptive strike into the Crimea region against Russian Forces . NATO’s new foothold in Ukraine would serve as a staging area for a larger incursion into Russia, in order to pacify the Russian regime before Russia could follow through on threats against NATO. This initial battle between Russian and NATO forces in Crimea represents a major point of contention, as NATO and Russia both state that the first move was made by the opposite side. This initial battle would be the first of many in a war between NATO and Russia that is still ongoing.
During the first 10 years of conflict, NATO increased their member states and subsequent manpower by granting membership to Montenegro, North Macedonia, Finland, and Sweden. With Sweden and Finland in the fight, Russia’s Baltic Sea access became contested. In order to regain access to the Baltic Sea shipping and supply lanes, Russian Forces invaded Sweden. Aside from Sweden’s ability to block Russia from access to the Baltic Sea, Sweden also contains resources that Russia is in desperate need of after a decade of sustained conflict. The opening of a new front in Sweden has also forced NATO to redirect forces to Scandinavia in an effort to push the Russians back to St Petersburg.
Operation Fenrir
Sweden is under siege. Russian forces, relentless and well-equipped, have launched a full-scale invasion, gradually pushing back the Swedish defenses. The initial onslaught was swift and brutal, catching the nation off guard. The skies filled with the roar of Russian jets and the rumble of armored columns advancing through the countryside.
NATO, while sympathetic, is stretched thin. Fierce battles rage across Poland and Germany, drawing most of their resources and attention. However, a flicker of hope remains. The United States has dispatched a contingent of special forces to assist in the beleaguered defense of Sweden. These elite units, trained for the most demanding of missions, have been integrated into the Swedish defensive efforts.
The situation has grown dire. Russian spetsnaz and paratroopers have made significant headway, driving south towards Stockholm from the north. Their objective is clear: the heart of Sweden. In their path lies the small town of Rosersberg, a strategic location that has now become the linchpin in the defense of the capital.
A small NATO force, a mix of American special forces and Swedish troops, has taken up positions in Rosersberg. Their orders are unequivocal: "Hold the town at all costs." The defenders are well aware that it is only a matter of time before the full force of the Russian advance reaches them. The air is thick with tension as they fortify their positions, laying mines, setting up machine gun nests, and preparing for the inevitable clash.
Every soldier knows the importance of their mission. If Rosersberg falls, the road to Stockholm lies open. Communication lines buzz with activity as final preparations are made. Ammunition is distributed, and the troops share a final, solemn moment, understanding that many of them may not see another sunrise.
As the first echoes of the Russian advance resonate in the distance, the defenders brace themselves. The horizon darkens with the approach of enemy forces. In the midst of uncertainty and impending chaos, the order rings clear: "Hold out!"
The battle for Rosersberg is about to begin, a desperate struggle that will test the mettle of every soldier within the town's limits. The fate of Stockholm, and perhaps Sweden itself, hangs in the balance.
Assault on Arlanda
With NATO’s failure in Rosersberg at OP Fenrir, Russian Forces have successfully established a supply depot. Since the establishment of the Rosersberg depot, Russian Forces have been able to ferry in more manpower to support operations in the region.
Due to Russian Forces in Sweden being solely composed of airborne elements and land locked within Sweden, the supply depot represents a lifeline for Russian armored vehicles and troops in the region.
Recognizing this, NATO has dispatched a task force from Arlanda in an attempt to cut off and seize the Russian depot. Russian Forces are continuing to stockpile airdropped and looted supplies in preparation for their Assault on Arlanda.
THE PECHENGA PLOT
While NATO forces prepare for a new prolonged war in Sweden, a joint Swedish and Finnish Task force proposed an incursion into Russian territory in order to force Russia to reallocate manpower into a new territory. NATO forces then launched an assault into the Russian town of Pechenga, in the vicinity of the Russo-Finnish border.
With many civilians caught off guard by the sudden presence of NATO troops and the Russian response, NATO and Russia have agreed on a temporary ceasefire to facilitate the evacuation of civilians out of the region. Despite this proposed ceasefire, the local populace, which has been largely left to fend for itself after 10 years of war, has decided to hold local referendums for independence from Russia.
The Pechenga Plot will determine the future of the civilians in the region.