Would the Soviet Union respect Swedish neutrality?

Would the Soviet Union respect Swedish neutrality?

Perhaps not in principle, but Sweden was armed strongly enough that violating its neutrality could create an unnecessary and formidable enemy.

The answer treats neutrality as a strategic calculation rather than a guarantee. Soviet leaders might disregard Sweden's status if access or airfields became operationally important. Sweden, however, maintained substantial armed forces precisely to make that choice expensive. Violating its neutrality could therefore add a formidable opponent and another front while the northern naval campaign was already demanding. The exchange highlights how credible neutral defenses can shape alliance strategy without a formal treaty commitment.