Stockholm, Sweden – March 7, 2024 – In a historic move, Sweden officially became a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) today.  This decision marks a significant shift for the Nordic nation, which has maintained a policy of neutrality for over two centuries.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson submitted the final accession documents in Washington D.C., solidifying Sweden’s place within the Western military alliance. This move brings Sweden under the protective umbrella of Article 5, which guarantees a collective response from all NATO members in the case of an attack on any one member.

Sweden has joined NATO amid praise from the alliance. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken called NATO “stronger and larger than it’s ever been,” while NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg hailed the move as “historic.” Stoltenberg emphasized how Sweden’s strong military and defense industry strengthens the alliance.

However, Russia is likely to view Sweden’s accession to NATO as a provocation, potentially leading to increased military activity and rhetoric along the borders between Russia and the newly expanded alliance. Russia has long opposed the eastward expansion of NATO. The ongoing war in Ukraine has already strained relations with the West.

In response to the news, Sweden’s Prime Minister, Ulf Kristersson, delivered a statement to Washington, saying “Unity and solidarity will be Sweden’s guiding lights as a NATO member. We will share burdens, responsibilities and risks with our allies.” He warned that Russia remains a serious threat to Euro-Atlantic security for the foreseeable future.

Sweden became the 32nd member of the military alliance at a ceremony in Washington today, changing its historically neutral stance in response to the threat from Russia.

The impact on the war in Ukraine remains to be seen. While Sweden’s military is well-equipped, it’s unlikely to be a major factor in the ongoing conflict. However, Sweden’s membership in NATO sends a strong message of Western solidarity and could potentially embolden other European nations to provide further support to Ukraine.

Only time will tell how Russia will react to this development, but Sweden’s entry into NATO undoubtedly adds a new layer of complexity to the already volatile situation in Europe.