Share on LinkedIn

WASHINGTON (Gray DC) -The three-day NATO summit started Tuesday in Washington with the defense alliance emphasizing its growing solidarity as President Joe Biden welcomes its newest member, Sweden.

Finland joined NATO in 2023, with Sweden joining as its 32nd member just over 100 days ago. NATO’s newest additions mark a pivotal success story for President Biden, with the White House saying it highlights the president’s leadership skills.

For Sweden, the decision to join NATO marks a significant shift for the historically neutral country, driven by Russia’s war against Ukraine.

Swedish Ambassador to the U.S. Urban Ahlin says Sweden and Finland became increasingly interested in joining NATO after Russia opposed the idea in December 2021.

“Everyone wanted to give Putin a clear message that you are not the one deciding what we do.”

With an Air Force containing over 100 fighter jets and a world-class submarine fleet, Sweden brings an impressive military defense to NATO.

“We really hope that everyone realizes that we want to be security providers. We are not joining them to only to consume security.”

Since joining, both Sweden and Finland have made strides within NATO. Ambassador Ahlin notes the 830 additional miles added to Russia’s border with NATO since its inception.

“We have a strong military force. We have a very strong defense industry. So we both have the soldiers, the materials, but also the capacity to produce. And we are 100% focusing on how we can be a provider to NATO to secure security and help NATO in securing the security even in the future.”

It’s expected that NATO will send a strong signal to Russian President Vladimir Putin as the summit unfolds, with details concerning Ukraine’s pathway to membership anticipated.