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Sweden officially joined NATO on Thursday, a decision officials say was prompted by Russia's full-scale attack on Ukraine. As VOA correspondent Veronica Balderas Iglesias reports, this announcement was made as the alliance is conducting large-scale exercises above the Arctic Circle to demonstrate strength and unity.
On Thursday, Sweden became NATO's 32nd country. The official announcement was made by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
"Before Putin's second attack on Ukraine in February 2022, polls showed that less than a third of Swedes supported NATO membership. After the attack, three-quarters of Swedes made it clear they wanted to join the alliance. The Swedes understood something very important - that if Putin has the desire to erase a neighboring country from the map, then he may not stop there" , said Secretary Blinken.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson warned that the security situation in Europe has not been this serious since World War II, but that his country can help.
"We have unique capacities with which we can contribute on land, air and sea. Our support for Ukraine is essential. "Ukraine is fighting bravely for its freedom, but it is also protecting European freedom ," said the Swedish Prime Minister.
He was among the guests of honor of US President Joe Biden during his State of the Union address to Congress.
"Today we made NATO stronger than ever. We welcomed Finland into the alliance last year. And just this morning, Sweden officially joined and its prime minister is now here. Stand up. Welcome!” , said President Biden.
The news was also welcomed by Ukrainian President Zelenskyy.
"One more country in Europe has become more protected from Russian evil. When a country's security is guaranteed and when that country can really strengthen common security, everyone wins ," said the Ukrainian president.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov spoke about Russia's response to Sweden's NATO membership by strengthening its military presence in the Moscow and Leningrad regions.
"New armaments will be placed, stationed and deployed, which will be sufficient against the dangers that may appear from the territory of Finland and Sweden" , said Mr. Lavrov.
Demonstrating strength and unity, NATO began military exercises in the Arctic on Monday, as part of wider exercises that will continue for several months./ VOA
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