Sweden Officially Joins NATO, Abandoning Neutrality in Response to Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine
In a historic move, Sweden has officially joined NATO, abandoning its long-held position of neutrality. The decision comes as a direct response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which has raised concerns about the security of nearby countries outside the alliance. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson handed over the accession documents to the US State Department in Washington, DC, marking the final step in a months-long process to gain approval from all NATO members.
The decision to join NATO was unthinkable just a few years ago. Sweden, known for its policy of non-alignment dating back 200 years, remained neutral during both World Wars. However, when Russian troops began advancing towards Kyiv in February 2022, Sweden, along with its Nordic neighbor Finland, became acutely aware of the potential threat posed by Moscow. Finland, which shares a 1,300 kilometer border with Russia, officially joined NATO in April 2023, significantly expanding the alliance’s border with Russia.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken acknowledged the significance of Sweden’s decision, emphasizing that it was not something that could have been predicted just a few years ago. He highlighted Sweden’s longstanding policy of non-alignment and the lack of public support for joining NATO prior to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Blinken stated, “Then everything changed.”
The accession of Sweden to NATO was met with praise from US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. President Biden hailed Sweden’s membership as a strengthening force for the alliance, making it “more united, determined, and dynamic than ever.” Sunak echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that Sweden’s membership would enhance international security in the face of Russia’s threats and aggression in Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his gratitude for Sweden’s support and described the country as a strong ally that can be trusted. Zelensky expressed hope that one day Ukraine would also be able to join NATO, emphasizing the strength that comes from unity.
Prime Minister Kristersson thanked Sweden’s allies for welcoming the country into the bloc and pledged to uphold the values enshrined in the Washington Treaty, including freedom, democracy, individual liberty, and the rule of law. He emphasized the importance of unity, solidarity, and burden-sharing among NATO members.
Sweden’s journey to join NATO faced obstacles along the way. While Finland’s accession was relatively smooth, Sweden encountered resistance from Turkey and Hungary. Both countries, which have friendly relations with Russia, delayed ratifying Sweden’s accession. Turkey’s parliament approved Sweden’s bid in January after tensions between the two nations, sparked by Quran-burning protests in Sweden, were resolved. Hungary, on the other hand, caused further delays as Prime Minister Viktor Orban initially declined to approve Sweden’s bid. However, Hungary’s parliament eventually gave its approval last month.
The next annual NATO summit will take place in July in Washington, DC, and will mark the alliance’s 75th anniversary. The addition of Sweden as the 32nd member further strengthens NATO’s position and underscores its commitment to collective defense and security.
In conclusion, Sweden’s decision to join NATO represents a significant shift in its defense policy and a departure from its longstanding neutrality. The move is a direct response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and aims to ensure the security of nearby countries outside the alliance. With Sweden’s accession, NATO becomes more united and better equipped to uphold freedom and democracy in the face of global challenges.