Sweden Signs NATO Admission Request; Finnish Lawmakers Set To Formally Endorse Move
Sweden has signed a formal request to join NATO, a day after Stockholm announced it would seek membership in the 30-member Western military alliance amid security concerns sparked by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The parliament of neighboring Finland is due later on May 17 to follow suit and formally endorse Finnish leaders’ decision to joint the alliance as well.
The two Nordic countries have moved quickly toward joining NATO since Russia launched its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine on February 24.
In Stockholm, Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde signed the official request to join NATO, which she said would be sent to Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg.
“It feels like we have taken a decision that is the best for Sweden,” Linde said while signing the document.
Meanwhile, Finnish President Sauli Niinisto arrived in Sweden for an official visit. He is scheduled to address Sweden’s parliament in a speech expected to focus on NATO, and meet Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson.
The steps taken by the two Nordic neighbors have prompted warnings from Russia, which would see NATO expand right up to its western border.
Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty
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