Sweden ends neutrality, joins Finland to seek NATO membership

Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson announced on Monday that Sweden will join Finland in seeking NATO membership in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The historic shift, which comes after more than 200 years of military nonalignment in the Nordic country, is likely to upset the government of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Earlier, Sweden has decided to follow neighboring Finland and apply for NATO membership, ending more than 200 years of military nonalignment because of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, officials said Monday.

“Sweden needs formal security guarantees that come with membership in NATO,” Ms. Andersson said, adding that the country was acting together with Finland, whose government announced on Sunday it would seek to to join the alliance. Ms. Andersson was expected to formally announce the Swedish government’s decision later Monday together with opposition leader Ulf Kristersson.

Public opinion in both countries was firmly against joining NATO until Russia’s Feb. 24 invasion of Ukraine, after which polls indicated a dramatic shift in favor of membership. The governments in Finland and Sweden responded by swiftly initiating discussions across political parties about NATO membership and reaching out the U.S., Britain, Germany and other NATO countries for their support.