Why Sweden is abandoning its cashless society

Sweden is reversing its shift toward a cashless society after Russia's invasion of Ukraine raised concerns about vulnerability to electronic payment system blackouts or sabotage. The central bank now requires essential shops to accept physical cash and has urged citizens to keep cash at home as part of civil defense preparedness. Despite these measures, only 5 percent of Swedish shoppers currently use cash for in-store purchases, indicating most Swedes continue their digital payment habits.