In a historic moment for Sweden and the transatlantic relationship, Sweden has formally joined NATO as the alliance's 32nd member. The accession comes as concerns regarding Russian aggression in Europe have escalated following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

The ceremony, presided over by Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the State Department, marked the depositing of Sweden's "instrument of accession" to NATO. Secretary Blinken emphasized the significance of this step, stating that the alliance is now stronger and larger than ever before.

Prime Minister Kristersson expressed his satisfaction with Sweden's new status, taking to social media to declare, "We are therefore a safer country." In recognition of this milestone, Kristersson will also visit the White House and be honored at President Joe Biden's State of the Union address to Congress.

The White House hailed Sweden's inclusion in NATO, highlighting that it would enhance the security of not only the United States but also its allies. It asserted that NATO remains the most potent defensive alliance in history and emphasized the critical role it continues to play in safeguarding the citizens of member nations.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg hailed the day as historic, noting that Sweden will now have an equal say in shaping NATO policies and decisions. On Monday, the Swedish flag will be raised outside NATO headquarters in Brussels, symbolizing its full integration into the organization. Stoltenberg stressed that Sweden now enjoys the protections and guarantees granted under NATO's Article 5, which obliges all members to come to the aid of an ally under threat.

Sweden's accession to NATO is particularly symbolic as it seeks the collective security guarantee it has long desired since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Stoltenberg noted that with Sweden's inclusion, NATO as a whole becomes stronger, Sweden becomes safer, and the alliance becomes more secure.

This move by Sweden follows Finland's recent entry into NATO, as both countries abandoned their long-standing policy of military neutrality following Russia's aggression in Ukraine in 2022. President Biden is expected to cite Sweden's accession to NATO as evidence of Putin's failed attempt to divide and weaken the alliance. Furthermore, it is anticipated that Biden will use this development to urge fellow Republicans to approve stalled military assistance to Ukraine, as the conflict enters its third year.

Sweden's path to NATO membership faced hurdles due to objections from Turkey and Hungary. Turkey expressed concerns over Sweden's alleged harboring of Kurdish groups, while Hungary's President Viktor Orban demonstrated pro-Russian sentiment and hesitated to support Ukraine. However, after months of delay, both Turkey and Hungary have ratified Sweden's admission, allowing the Nordic country to join the transatlantic alliance.

Sweden's formal entry into NATO underscores the alliance's continued commitment to open doors for nations that choose to align themselves with its principles. As the threat of Russian aggression persists, NATO stands united, determined to defend the freedom and security of its member states.