In a significant move, Sweden officially became the 32nd member of NATO, marking the end of its two-century-old policy of non-alignment. The decision comes after two years of delicate diplomacy, prompted by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which reignited concerns about security in Europe.
Following Hungary’s recent decision to join NATO, Sweden ceremonially submitted its accession documents to the United States, the leading force behind the transatlantic alliance. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson attended the annual State of the Union address by President Joe Biden, where he was welcomed as a guest. Biden, recognizing Kristersson’s presence, emphasized NATO’s strength as the most formidable military alliance globally.
During his address, Biden called upon the Republican Party leadership in the House to expedite the approval of billions of dollars in military aid to Ukraine. He underlined the importance of supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression, asserting that the United States would not yield to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Biden warned against underestimating Putin’s ambitions, stating firmly, “If anybody in this room thinks Putin will stop at Ukraine, I assure you he will not.”