Russia-Ukraine War: Sweden Confirms It Will Follow Finland in Joining NATO

"This is the best thing for Sweden's security," Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson told reporters.

NATO heads of states. Image used for representational purposes only. 

(Photo: NPR)

In a move likely to anger the Kremlin, Sweden confirmed on Monday, 16 May, that it will join Finland in applying for NATO membership in light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

"There is a broad majority in Sweden's parliament for Sweden to join NATO. This is the best thing for Sweden's security. We will inform NATO that we want to become a member of the alliance," Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson told reporters.

Both Sweden and Finland have been non-aligned, that is, neutral, for a long period of time.

Andersson, however, had argued last month that "there is a before and after 24 February" (the date on which Russia invaded Ukraine) and that this was "a very important time in history," reported The Guardian.

"We have to analyse the situation to see what is best for Sweden's security, for the Swedish people, in this new situation."

A majority, albeit a thin one, of Swedish people back the idea of their country joining NATO, according to Reuters and AP.

Last month, Moscow had said that in response to Finland and Sweden's entry into NATO, it would be forced to "restore military balance" by strengthening its forces in the Baltic region, and the deployment of nuclear weapons could not be ruled out.

On 12 May, Putin's spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that "the expansion of NATO and the approach of the alliance to our borders does not make the world and our continent more stable and secure."

You can read about why the potential entry of both states into NATO is a big deal here.