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Prospect of Finland and Sweden joining NATO discussed at NATO meeting, says U.S. official

 The prospect of Finland and Sweden joining NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) was discussed during the meeting of foreign ministers from the military alliance in Brussels, the capital of Belgium, this week. A senior U.S. State Department official confirmed this news on Thursday.

The official reportedly said, “The alliance’s door remains open and there was discussion about that potential candidacy.” The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had a short conversation with Finland's foreign minister. Reportedly, the military alliance’s top civilian official also said NATO will welcome Finland and Sweden if they wish to apply for the membership in the coming days. 

The NATO foreign ministers met to discuss the war in Ukraine. Jens Stoltenberg told reporters in Brussels, “If they decide to apply, I expect that all allies will welcome them.”

Russia's invasion of Ukraine

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has prompted the two countries to consider joining the U.S.-led alliance. Last month, a poll by Finnish broadcaster YLE showed that more than 50 percent of Finns support joining the Western military alliance. Finnish foreign minister Pekka Haavisto told reporters earlier that Finland will clarify the next steps in deciding on applying for the membership. 

Before launching the war on Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin demanded that the 30-nation military organization pull its troops back from Russia’s borders. In 2021, Russia began deploying big numbers of troops close to Ukraine's borders. Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February. More than 3.5 million refugees have now fled Ukraine because of the war.

Earlier, the European Union (EU) imposed economic sanctions against Russia and Russian oligarchs and leaders. The United States (US) government also imposed sanctions on two Russian banks, Moscow's sovereign debt, and several other measures. Reportedly, Ukraine had received additional security pledges from the United States amid the conflict.

Finland and Sweden joining NATO discussed at NATO meeting


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