After two centuries of neutrality and two years of diplomacy, Sweden has officially joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) as its 32nd member, marking a historic day for the alliance and the transatlantic relationship. The accession process was completed as Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson handed over the final documents during his visit to Washington, D.C.

Sweden's decision to join NATO comes in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The move is seen as a strategic defeat for Russia, as it strengthens NATO and makes Sweden safer. Both the Swedish and US governments had previously indicated that the process would be finalized on Thursday.

US President Joe Biden welcomed Sweden as the newest member of the alliance, emphasizing that transatlantic security is stronger than ever. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also highlighted the significance of Sweden's accession, describing it as a historic moment for the country, the alliance, and the transatlantic relationship.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg expressed that Sweden's membership makes the alliance stronger and enhances the security of the entire NATO community. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson emphasized that Sweden will defend freedom together with its geographically, culturally, and values-proximate countries.

In a symbolic gesture, the Swedish flag is expected to be hoisted at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, on Monday. The inclusion of Sweden, along with Finland, which joined NATO last year, consolidates the alliance's presence in the northern region and strengthens its defense capabilities.

While already closely aligned with the United States and EU member states, Sweden had maintained a policy of non-alignment and remained neutral in both world wars. However, driven by concerns over Russia's aggressive actions, Sweden decided to apply for NATO membership.

Sweden faced some diplomatic hurdles during its candidacy, including a dispute with NATO member Turkey over the treatment of certain individuals residing in Sweden. Hungary, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who has close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin, also posed obstacles to Sweden's accession.

As a NATO member, Sweden's military capabilities, including advanced submarines and Gripen fighter jets, will play a crucial role in the Baltic region. The country's inclusion in NATO is expected to enhance its security, as indicated by a recent poll where the majority of Swedes believed that joining NATO would provide a boost to their national security.

Russia has expressed its disapproval of Sweden's NATO membership and announced that it will adopt countermeasures in response. Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev criticized the ongoing NATO exercise taking place in northern Sweden, Norway, and Finland, viewing it as a rehearsal for an armed confrontation with Russia.

While the accession of Sweden and Finland to NATO signifies a strategic setback for Russia, Ukraine's bid for NATO membership remains pending. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed Sweden's membership, expressing that it provides greater protection from Russia's aggression.

As the day concludes, President Biden is set to deliver his final State of the Union address, where Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson will join First Lady Jill Biden in the assembly room, symbolizing the strengthened alliance and partnership between Sweden and the United States.