Sweden ends neutrality, joins Finland in seeking NATO berth & More News Here

STOCKHOLM (AP) — Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson introduced Monday that Sweden will be a part of Finland in seeking NATO membership in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The historic shift, which comes after greater than 200 years of navy nonalignment in the Nordic nation, is prone to upset the federal government of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows under.

STOCKHOLM (AP) — Sweden has determined to comply with neighboring Finland and apply for NATO membership, ending greater than 200 years of navy nonalignment due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, officers stated Monday.

Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson known as it “a historic change in our country’s security policy” as she addressed lawmakers in the Swedish capital.

“Sweden needs formal security guarantees that come with membership in NATO,” Andersson stated, including that the nation was performing along with Finland, whose authorities introduced on Sunday it could search to to hitch the alliance.

Andersson was anticipated to formally announce the Swedish authorities’s determination later Monday along with opposition chief Ulf Kristersson.

The transfer was basically a completed deal after Andersson’s Social Democratic Party on Sunday dropped its long-held opposition to NATO membership, giving these in favor a transparent majority in Parliament.

“The Swedish government’s intent is to apply for NATO membership. A historic day for Sweden,” Foreign Minister Ann Linde wrote on Twitter. “With a broad support from political parties in the parliament, the conclusion is that Sweden will stand stronger together with allies in NATO.”

Once a regional navy energy, Sweden has averted navy alliances for the reason that finish of the Napoleonic Wars. Like Finland it remained impartial all through the Cold War, however fashioned nearer relations with NATO after the Soviet collapse.

Public opinion in each international locations was firmly towards becoming a member of NATO till Russia’s Feb. 24 invasion of Ukraine, after which polls indicated a dramatic shift in favor of membership.

Once a regional navy energy, Sweden has averted navy alliances for the reason that finish of the Napoleonic Wars. Like Finland it remained impartial all through the Cold War, however fashioned nearer relations with NATO after the Soviet collapse.

Public opinion in each international locations was firmly towards becoming a member of NATO till 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 throughout political events about NATO membership and reaching out the U.S., Britain, Germany and different NATO international locations for his or her help.

In Helsinki, Senate Republican chief Mitch McConnell stated Monday that there’s “very significant” help in the Congress and that he expects swift ratification. He stated he hoped a vote may very well be held earlier than the August recess.

The Kremlin has repeatedly warned the transfer would have destabilizing penalties for safety in Europe.

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated Monday that Moscow “does not have a problem” with Sweden or Finland as they apply for NATO membership, however that “the expansion of military infrastructure onto this territory will of course give rise to our reaction in response.”

In the Swedish Parliament, solely the small Left and Green events objected to seeking NATO membership.

Andersson stated Sweden would refuse nuclear weapons or everlasting NATO bases on its soil — related situations as neighboring Norway and Denmark insisted on when the alliance was fashioned after World War II.

Though NATO officers have expressed hopes for a fast ratification course of, all 30 present NATO members should comply with let Finland and Sweden in the door. Turkey voiced some objections final week, accusing the 2 international locations of supporting Kurdish militants and others whom Turkey considers to be terrorists.

Swedish Defense Minister Peter Hultqvist advised public broadcaster SVT {that a} Swedish delegation could be despatched to Ankara to debate the difficulty.

___ Jan M. Olsen in Copenhagen, Denmark, contributed to this report.

Follow the AP’s protection of the conflict at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

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