Swedish police have cordoned off an area in Stockholm after a patrol heard suspected gunshots, they said on Friday, with the Israeli embassy located in the closed-off area.

Police declined to comment on whether there was a link between the incident and the Israeli embassy, Swedish news agency TT reported.

"A police patrol at Strandvagen in Stockholm heard bangs and suspected there had been a shooting," police said on their website shortly after midnight, adding that the affected area lay between the capital's Djurgarden Bridge, its Nobel Park and the Oscar Church.

"In connection with the ongoing forensic investigation, findings have been made that strengthen the suspicions that a shooting took place," they said.

Police said an investigation into suspected serious weapons crime had been launched and that they held several people in connection with the incident.

A prosecutor's office spokesperson later in the day said none of them remained in custody.

The Israeli embassy could not immediately be reached for comment.

Swedish police have cordoned off an area in Stockholm after a patrol heard suspected gunshots, they said on Friday, with the Israeli embassy located in the closed-off area.

Swedish police have cordoned off an area in Stockholm after a patrol heard suspected gunshots, they said on Friday, with the Israeli embassy located in the closed-off area. Police declined to comment on whether there was a link between the incident and the Israeli embassy, Swedish news agency TT reported. "A police patrol at Strandvagen in Stockholm heard bangs and suspected there had been a shooting," police said on their website shortly after midnight, adding that the affected area lay between the capital's Djurgarden Bridge, its Nobel Park and the Oscar Church. "In connection with the ongoing forensic investigation, findings have been made that strengthen the suspicions that a shooting took place," they said. Police said an investigation into suspected serious weapons crime had been launched and that they held several people in connection with the incident. A prosecutor's office spokesperson later in the day said none of them remained in custody. The Israeli embassy could not immediately be reached for comment.

Suspected gunshots near Israeli embassy in Stockholm prompt police cordon

The Prime Minister of the latest NATO member Sweden has said he is open to allowing nuclear weapons on Swedish soil in war time. Watch in for more details!

Sweden open to deploy Nukes: PM Ulf Kristersson

Swedish PM says open to hosting nuclear weapons in wartime

NATO-Russia clash imminent? Sweden PM: Sweden is open to deploying nukes

The Eurovision final is set to begin in Sweden's Malmo but the Israel-Hamas war is stealing the show at the song contest. The Eurovision spanned about a week and the entire duration saw tensions over Israel's participation in the war and thousands of protesters.

Israel-Hamas war: Protest against Israel's participation in Eurovision

Eurovision: Tensions over Israeli Eden Golan's participation

Sweden has officially joined the Artemis Accords, becoming the 38th country to pledge its commitment of outlined principles such as transparency, interoperability, and the peaceful use of space.

The Artemis Accords are a set of principles and guidelines for international cooperation in space exploration. They were announced by NASA in May 2020 and named after NASA's Artemis program which is aimed at returning humans to the Moon by the mid-2020s.

The announcement came at a ceremony held in Stockholm&nbsp;on Tuesday (Apr 16) where Sweden's Minister for Education Dr Mats Persson signed the accords.

The countries that have signed the accords so far are - Angola, Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Columbia, Czech Republic, Ecuador, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Luxemburg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Poland, Republic of Korea, Romania, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay&nbsp;

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson stated, “Our nations have worked together to discover new secrets in our Solar System, and now, we welcome you to a global coalition that is committed to exploring the heavens openly, transparently, responsibly, and in peace. The United States and Sweden share the same bedrock principles, and we’re excited to expand these principles to the cosmos.”

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-believe-uranus-and-neptune-are-ice-giants-but-a-new-study-hints-at-something-else-712635">Scientists believe Uranus and Neptune are 'ice giants,' but a new study hints at something else</a>

Minister Persson highlighted the significance of this partnership, saying, “By joining the Artemis Accords, Sweden strengthens its strategic space partnership with the U.S. on space covering areas such as Swedish space research and the space industry, which in turn also strengthens Sweden’s total defence capability.”

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-mars-helicopter-sends-last-message-to-earth-712591">NASA's Ingenuity Mars helicopter sends last message to Earth</a>

The US ambassador to Sweden Erik D Ramanathan&nbsp;also spoke at the event, pointing out the importance of collaboration in space exploration.&nbsp;

<section>
Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uae-reels-for-a-third-day-after-record-breaking-storm-712661">UAE reels for a third day after record-breaking storm</a>

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The Artemis Accords, spearheaded jointly by NASA and the US Department of State, are signed at a national level rather than by individual organisations.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)
</section>

Sweden has officially joined the Artemis Accords, becoming the 38th country to pledge its commitment of outlined principles such as transparency, interoperability, and the peaceful use of space.

Sweden has officially joined the Artemis Accords, becoming the 38th country to pledge its commitment of outlined principles such as transparency, interoperability, and the peaceful use of space. The Artemis Accords are a set of principles and guidelines for international cooperation in space exploration. They were announced by NASA in May 2020 and named after NASA's Artemis program which is aimed at returning humans to the Moon by the mid-2020s. The announcement came at a ceremony held in Stockholm on Tuesday (Apr 16) where Sweden's Minister for Education Dr Mats Persson signed the accords. The countries that have signed the accords so far are - Angola, Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Columbia, Czech Republic, Ecuador, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Luxemburg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Poland, Republic of Korea, Romania, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay NASA Administrator Bill Nelson stated, “Our nations have worked together to discover new secrets in our Solar System, and now, we welcome you to a global coalition that is committed to exploring the heavens openly, transparently, responsibly, and in peace. The United States and Sweden share the same bedrock principles, and we’re excited to expand these principles to the cosmos.” Also Read | Scientists believe Uranus and Neptune are 'ice giants,' but a new study hints at something else Minister Persson highlighted the significance of this partnership, saying, “By joining the Artemis Accords, Sweden strengthens its strategic space partnership with the U.S. on space covering areas such as Swedish space research and the space industry, which in turn also strengthens Sweden’s total defence capability.” Also Read | NASA's Ingenuity Mars helicopter sends last message to Earth The US ambassador to Sweden Erik D Ramanathan also spoke at the event, pointing out the importance of collaboration in space exploration. Watch | UAE reels for a third day after record-breaking storm × The Artemis Accords, spearheaded jointly by NASA and the US Department of State, are signed at a national level rather than by individual organisations. (With inputs from agencies)

Sweden joins Artemis Accords vowing commitment to peaceful space exploration

NATO is conducting maritime and air drills with participants from 13 countries well. Watch to know more.

NATO holds air and sea exercises along it's Eastern flak

Sweden has experienced its earliest recorded beginning of what it defines as "summer," with three southern towns reporting average temperatures above 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit) for five consecutive days, announced the country's meteorological service on Thursday (April 11).

"A Swedish weather record was broken on Saturday, April 6, 2024. Each day from April 6th to 10th, the average daily temperature was at least 10 degrees at SMHI's stations in Malmo, Kristianstad and Karlshamn," SMHI said on its website.

"The condition was thereby met for meteorological summer at these three stations," it said.

"This is the earliest arrival date for summer ever observed in Sweden, with statistics that date back to the end of the 1800s," it added.

The previous record occurred in 1906 when the official start of summer was recorded on April 10th.

"Inevitably, as global warming progresses, the likelihood of summer arriving ever earlier increases," SMHI said.

Even though summer has officially begun, much of Sweden was not expected to experience warm weather through the following week, with temperatures predicted to stay in the single digits.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/meteorites-hiding-in-ice-sheets-of-antarctic-may-disappear-amid-climate-warming-study-710110">Also read |&nbsp;Meteorites, hiding in ice sheets of Antarctic, may disappear amid climate warming: study</a>

<h2>'Two years to save the world': UN Climate chief's warning</h2>

Simon Stiell, the UN Climate Chief, warned that governments, business leaders, and development banks have a two-year window to implement measures to prevent more severe climate change.

In a speech at the Chatham House&nbsp;in London, Stiell said, "We still have a chance to make greenhouse gas emissions tumble, with a new generation of national climate plans. But we need these stronger plans now."

He added, "More and more people want climate action right across societies and political spectrums, largely because they are feeling the impacts of the climate crisis in their everyday lives and household budgets."

Also watch |&nbsp;Why did the Cherry blossoms bloom early? A warning of climate change: Study

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Stiell also pointed out that the climate crisis is getting less attention on the global agenda, just when there's a need for consensus on how to assist developing countries in affording clean energy and dealing with extreme weather.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

Sweden has experienced its earliest recorded beginning of what it defines as "summer," with three southern towns reporting average temperatures above 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit) for five consecutive days, announced the country's meteorological service on Thursday (April 11).

Sweden has experienced its earliest recorded beginning of what it defines as "summer," with three southern towns reporting average temperatures above 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit) for five consecutive days, announced the country's meteorological service on Thursday (April 11). "A Swedish weather record was broken on Saturday, April 6, 2024. Each day from April 6th to 10th, the average daily temperature was at least 10 degrees at SMHI's stations in Malmo, Kristianstad and Karlshamn," SMHI said on its website. "The condition was thereby met for meteorological summer at these three stations," it said. "This is the earliest arrival date for summer ever observed in Sweden, with statistics that date back to the end of the 1800s," it added. The previous record occurred in 1906 when the official start of summer was recorded on April 10th. "Inevitably, as global warming progresses, the likelihood of summer arriving ever earlier increases," SMHI said. Even though summer has officially begun, much of Sweden was not expected to experience warm weather through the following week, with temperatures predicted to stay in the single digits. Also read | Meteorites, hiding in ice sheets of Antarctic, may disappear amid climate warming: study 'Two years to save the world': UN Climate chief's warning Simon Stiell, the UN Climate Chief, warned that governments, business leaders, and development banks have a two-year window to implement measures to prevent more severe climate change. In a speech at the Chatham House in London, Stiell said, "We still have a chance to make greenhouse gas emissions tumble, with a new generation of national climate plans. But we need these stronger plans now." He added, "More and more people want climate action right across societies and political spectrums, largely because they are feeling the impacts of the climate crisis in their everyday lives and household budgets." Also watch | Why did the Cherry blossoms bloom early? A warning of climate change: Study Stiell also pointed out that the climate crisis is getting less attention on the global agenda, just when there's a need for consensus on how to assist developing countries in affording clean energy and dealing with extreme weather. (With inputs from agencies)

Sweden's earliest 'summer' recorded as temperatures surpass 10 degree mark

Is the US preparation for a war against Russia in the Arctic? Of the eight Arctic countries, seven are NATO members, Finland and Sweden being the latest entrants. Reports say America may be building a weapon storage facility in the Arctic. Will the move provoke Russia that has a strategic advantage in the region?

Gravitas: Is US preparing for a war against Russia in the Arctic?

UK defense secretary Grant Shapps has warned NATO countries that do not spend 2% of GDP on defense spending and that they are playing Russian roulette with the West's future. Watch to know more!

UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps: We can't play Russian roulette with NATO funds

On Gotland in the Baltic Sea, Swedish troops are training to defend the country's largest island, once of critical importance to the Nordic nation and now a strategic outpost for NATO since Sweden joined the alliance.

Swedish troops train to defend NATO’s new strategic Baltic outpost on Gotland

Germany is hosting a massive military exercise which is the largest such for German land forces since the start of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The drills are part of the multinational exercises and the US Army will lead the drills that focus on Readiness and interoperability between NATO and also its key partners. Watch to know more!

NATO holds military drills in Germany, multinational exercise 'Allied Spirit 2024' kicks off

Police in Sweden on Tuesday (Mar 12) took action against climate activist Greta Thunberg as they removed her and some other individuals who were blocking the entrance to parliament for a second day. They drew them away in a police van.&nbsp;

In a video shared by the news agency Reuters, two officers were seen lifting Thunberg who was hauled for about 20 metres from the door she was blocking before being placed on the ground.&nbsp;

Stockholm police noted that, while protesters had the right to demonstrate outside parliament, five to ten persons were removed for blocking the entry. They didn't mention specific people.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/severe-flooding-due-to-heavy-rainfall-triggers-state-of-emergency-in-bolivia-698770">Severe flooding, heavy rainfall trigger state of emergency in Bolivia</a>&nbsp;

In a sit-down protest against the effects of climate change and what they said was political inaction, Thunberg and dozens of other campaigners started blocking the main entrances to Sweden's parliament on Monday.&nbsp;

They were carrying banners like "Climate justice now" and "Climate justice = social justice". The activists left on Monday afternoon but returned to protest on Tuesday morning.&nbsp;

During the recent protest in front of parliament, Thunberg said, "The struggle has only just begun, the climate justice movement has been doing these things for decades and we have been met with only deaf ears."&nbsp;

"We feel like we have no other choice but to sit here and disrupt the system in order to get our voices heard," she added.&nbsp;

Watch this report:&nbsp;

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The 21-year-old Thunberg became the face of young climate activists after her weekly protests in front of the Swedish parliament began in 2018.&nbsp;

She became popular among the young generation globally which led to massive movements with rallies and protests across the world.&nbsp;

Last year, Thunberg was detained by police or removed from protests in countries including Sweden, Norway and Germany.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Police in Sweden on Tuesday (Mar 12) took action against climate activist Greta Thunberg as they removed her and some other individuals who were blocking the entrance to parliament for a second day.

Police in Sweden on Tuesday (Mar 12) took action against climate activist Greta Thunberg as they removed her and some other individuals who were blocking the entrance to parliament for a second day. They drew them away in a police van. In a video shared by the news agency Reuters, two officers were seen lifting Thunberg who was hauled for about 20 metres from the door she was blocking before being placed on the ground. Stockholm police noted that, while protesters had the right to demonstrate outside parliament, five to ten persons were removed for blocking the entry. They didn't mention specific people. Also read: Severe flooding, heavy rainfall trigger state of emergency in Bolivia In a sit-down protest against the effects of climate change and what they said was political inaction, Thunberg and dozens of other campaigners started blocking the main entrances to Sweden's parliament on Monday. They were carrying banners like "Climate justice now" and "Climate justice = social justice". The activists left on Monday afternoon but returned to protest on Tuesday morning. During the recent protest in front of parliament, Thunberg said, "The struggle has only just begun, the climate justice movement has been doing these things for decades and we have been met with only deaf ears." "We feel like we have no other choice but to sit here and disrupt the system in order to get our voices heard," she added. Watch this report: × The 21-year-old Thunberg became the face of young climate activists after her weekly protests in front of the Swedish parliament began in 2018. She became popular among the young generation globally which led to massive movements with rallies and protests across the world. Last year, Thunberg was detained by police or removed from protests in countries including Sweden, Norway and Germany. (With inputs from agencies)

Climate activist Greta Thunberg detained by police outside Swedish parliament

After Canada, Sweden has now announced that it will resume funding the UNRWA. This development comes after 16 countries paused funding to the agency.

Israel war: Sweden to give half of $38 million UNRWA funding promised for 2024

Israel war: Sweden resumes UNRWA aid funding as crisis worsens for Gazans

Israel-Hamas war: Sweden resumes UNRWA aid funding as crisis worsens in Gaza

NATO has begun an extensive military exercise across its newly enlarged Nordic territories spanning Norway, Sweden and Finland. The NATO is holding one of the biggest military drills that it has held with over 90,000 troops from several of its member nations. The newly expanded 32 Nation military Alliance is preparing for the possibility of War. This is the biggest military exercise since the end of the Cold War, sending a message to Russia that the North Atlantic members are ready to defend each other. Watch to know more!

NATO allies join forces in 'Steadfast Defender 2024,' biggest military drill since cold war

NATO's Steadfast Defender 2024 military exercise signals alliance unity

Sweden joined NATO in Washington on Thursday, two years after Russia's invasion of Ukraine forced it to rethink its national security policy and conclude that support for the alliance was the Scandinavian nation's best guarantee of safety. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson handed over the final documentation to the U.S. government on Thursday, the last step in a drawn-out process to secure the backing of all members to join the military alliance.

Sweden formally joins NATO military alliance, ends decades of neutrality

United States President Joe Biden presented his last State of the Union address, months before the presidential elections. During the speech, the president slammed his predecessor Donald Trump, spoke about the Israel-Hamas war and while addressing the age controversy, declined to give up.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, a federal judge declined the request made by US former president Donald Trump to delay enforcement of the $83.3 million verdict in the case, which also involved writer E. Jean Carroll.

In India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on International Women's Day announced a reduction in LPG cylinder prices by Rs. 100 ($1.21) which will ease&nbsp;financial expenses on households across the country.

Click on the headlines to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-gaza-war-putin-and-more-key-takeaways-from-joe-bidens-state-of-the-union-address-2024-697872">Trump, Gaza war, Putin, and more: Key takeaways from Joe Biden's State of the Union address 2024</a>

<img alt="Biden" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2a069b8c-301c-41ca-b616-492527bb2e4f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2847%29_1.png" /> 
&nbsp;

Incumbent US President Joe Biden, in his third and final State of the Union address before the 2024 US Presidential Elections, repeatedly slammed his Republican rival Donald Trump throughout his speech.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/federal-judge-denies-donald-trumps-appeal-to-delay-execution-of-833-million-e-jean-carroll-verdict-697786">Federal judge denies Donald Trump's appeal to delay execution of $83.3 million E. Jean Carroll verdict</a>

<img alt="trump" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="12045ba8-2d72-4e2f-a7c8-f43d2f637f4d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2842%29_0.png" />

Donald Trump's request to delay enforcement of the $83.3 million verdict in the case involving writer E. Jean Carroll was denied by a federal judge on Thursday.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nari-shakti-pm-modi-celebrates-womens-day-with-rs-100-reduction-in-lpg-cylinder-prices-697858">'Nari Shakti': PM Modi celebrates Women's Day with $1.21 reduction in LPG cylinder prices</a>

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Celebrating Women's Day and easing the financial burden on households across the nation, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a reduction in LPG cylinder prices by Rs. 100 ($1.21). This decision is expected to bring relief to millions of families, particularly benefiting women.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/multiple-us-govt-website-experienced-brief-outages-issue-resolved-697868">Multiple US govt website experienced brief outages, issue resolved</a>

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Multiple United States (US) government websites experienced a brief outage on Thursday night (Mar 7). In a post on X, the Department of Homeland Security said, "We are currently investigating and working to resolve an outage with&nbsp;http://dhs.gov&nbsp;and component domains. We will restore the sites as soon as possible."

Xi urges preparation for military conflict | South-China sea can face Chinese aggression?

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&nbsp;

United States President Joe Biden presented his last State of the Union address, months before the presidential elections. During the speech, the president slammed his predecessor Donald Trump, spoke about the Israel-Hamas war and while addressing the age controversy, declined to give up.

United States President Joe Biden presented his last State of the Union address, months before the presidential elections. During the speech, the president slammed his predecessor Donald Trump, spoke about the Israel-Hamas war and while addressing the age controversy, declined to give up. Meanwhile, a federal judge declined the request made by US former president Donald Trump to delay enforcement of the $83.3 million verdict in the case, which also involved writer E. Jean Carroll. In India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on International Women's Day announced a reduction in LPG cylinder prices by Rs. 100 ($1.21) which will ease financial expenses on households across the country. Click on the headlines to read more: Trump, Gaza war, Putin, and more: Key takeaways from Joe Biden's State of the Union address 2024 Incumbent US President Joe Biden, in his third and final State of the Union address before the 2024 US Presidential Elections, repeatedly slammed his Republican rival Donald Trump throughout his speech. Federal judge denies Donald Trump's appeal to delay execution of $83.3 million E. Jean Carroll verdict Donald Trump's request to delay enforcement of the $83.3 million verdict in the case involving writer E. Jean Carroll was denied by a federal judge on Thursday. 'Nari Shakti': PM Modi celebrates Women's Day with $1.21 reduction in LPG cylinder prices Celebrating Women's Day and easing the financial burden on households across the nation, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a reduction in LPG cylinder prices by Rs. 100 ($1.21). This decision is expected to bring relief to millions of families, particularly benefiting women. Multiple US govt website experienced brief outages, issue resolved Multiple United States (US) government websites experienced a brief outage on Thursday night (Mar 7). In a post on X, the Department of Homeland Security said, "We are currently investigating and working to resolve an outage with http://dhs.gov and component domains. We will restore the sites as soon as possible." Xi urges preparation for military conflict | South-China sea can face Chinese aggression?

Morning brief: Biden's SOTU address; Trump's appeal in E. Jean Carroll case rejected; and more

Sweden joined NATO in Washington on Thursday, two years after Russia's invasion of Ukraine forced it to rethink its national security policy and conclude that support for the alliance was the Scandinavian nation's best guarantee of safety.

Sweden joins NATO as war in Ukraine prompts security rethink

Sweden officially joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization on Thursday. Sweden is now a NATO member State making it the newest member of the military Alliance. Watch to know more!

Sweden officially joins NATO military alliance, becomes 32nd member

Sweden joins NATO military alliance, abandons its non-alignment policy

Sweden officially joined NATO in Washington on Thursday (March 7), prompted by Russia's invasion of Ukraine two years ago. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson submitted the necessary paperwork, completing the process of gaining alliance support.

"Good things come to those who wait," US&nbsp;Secretary of State Antony Blinken said as he received Sweden's accession documents from Kristersson.

"This is a historic moment for Sweden, for our alliance and for the transatlantic relationship," Blinken said.

<h2>Why is this inclusion historic?</h2>

The inclusion of Sweden and Finland into NATO,&nbsp;particularly noteworthy given Finland's 1,340 km border with Russia, marks the alliance's most substantial expansion in decades. Additionally, it represents a setback for Russian President Vladimir Putin's efforts to impede further reinforcement of the alliance.

"Today is a truly historic day. Sweden is now a member of NATO," Kristersson said.

"The reason this is such a strong, powerful fit, is because Sweden embodies and promotes the core values that are at the core of NATO - democracy, liberty, the rule of law," Blinken said.

Sweden stands to gain from the alliance's shared defence guarantee, wherein an assault on any member is interpreted as an assault on all.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-and-uk-strongly-backs-dutch-pm-mark-rutte-to-be-next-nato-chief-692842">Also read |&nbsp;US, UK 'strongly' back Dutch PM Mark Rutte to be next NATO chief</a>

Sweden's inclusion in NATO would bolster the alliance's capabilities with state-of-the-art submarines and a significant fleet of domestically manufactured Gripen fighter jets, serving as a crucial link between the Atlantic and Baltic regions. In response to Sweden's decision, Russia has threatened unspecified "political and military-technical counter-measures".

Despite drawing closer to NATO over the past two decades, Sweden's membership signifies a departure from its historical stance of neutrality and military non-alignment, maintained for over two centuries. Following World War II, Sweden gained international recognition as a champion of human rights and gradually reduced military spending after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.

Also watch |&nbsp;US Secretary of State Antony Blinken welcomes NATO's new member Sweden

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Although Sweden's defence minister rejected NATO membership as recently as 2021, the subsequent government, led by the Social Democrats, applied for membership alongside Finland. While Finland joined the alliance the previous year, Sweden faced delays as Turkey and Hungary, with amicable ties to Russia, postponed ratifying its accession. Turkey eventually approved Sweden's application in January, while Hungary awaited Prime Minister Kristersson's visit to Budapest on February 23, resulting in an agreement on a fighter jet deal between the two nations.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

Sweden officially joined NATO in Washington on Thursday (March 7), prompted by Russia's invasion of Ukraine two years ago. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson submitted the necessary paperwork, completing the process of gaining alliance support.

Sweden officially joined NATO in Washington on Thursday (March 7), prompted by Russia's invasion of Ukraine two years ago. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson submitted the necessary paperwork, completing the process of gaining alliance support. "Good things come to those who wait," US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said as he received Sweden's accession documents from Kristersson. "This is a historic moment for Sweden, for our alliance and for the transatlantic relationship," Blinken said. Why is this inclusion historic? The inclusion of Sweden and Finland into NATO, particularly noteworthy given Finland's 1,340 km border with Russia, marks the alliance's most substantial expansion in decades. Additionally, it represents a setback for Russian President Vladimir Putin's efforts to impede further reinforcement of the alliance. "Today is a truly historic day. Sweden is now a member of NATO," Kristersson said. "The reason this is such a strong, powerful fit, is because Sweden embodies and promotes the core values that are at the core of NATO - democracy, liberty, the rule of law," Blinken said. Sweden stands to gain from the alliance's shared defence guarantee, wherein an assault on any member is interpreted as an assault on all. Also read | US, UK 'strongly' back Dutch PM Mark Rutte to be next NATO chief Sweden's inclusion in NATO would bolster the alliance's capabilities with state-of-the-art submarines and a significant fleet of domestically manufactured Gripen fighter jets, serving as a crucial link between the Atlantic and Baltic regions. In response to Sweden's decision, Russia has threatened unspecified "political and military-technical counter-measures". Despite drawing closer to NATO over the past two decades, Sweden's membership signifies a departure from its historical stance of neutrality and military non-alignment, maintained for over two centuries. Following World War II, Sweden gained international recognition as a champion of human rights and gradually reduced military spending after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Also watch | US Secretary of State Antony Blinken welcomes NATO's new member Sweden Although Sweden's defence minister rejected NATO membership as recently as 2021, the subsequent government, led by the Social Democrats, applied for membership alongside Finland. While Finland joined the alliance the previous year, Sweden faced delays as Turkey and Hungary, with amicable ties to Russia, postponed ratifying its accession. Turkey eventually approved Sweden's application in January, while Hungary awaited Prime Minister Kristersson's visit to Budapest on February 23, resulting in an agreement on a fighter jet deal between the two nations. (With inputs from agencies)

Sweden officially joins NATO amid security concerns triggered by Russia-Ukraine war

US President Joe Biden kicked off his speech by calling for Congress to support Ukraine. Anyone who thinks Russian President Vladimir Putin will stop with the war in Ukraine is wrong, he said. "Now my predecessor, a former Republican president, tells Putin, quote, 'Do whatever you want,'" Biden said. "I think it's outrageous, it's dangerous and it's unacceptable." Biden, who has been pushing Congress to provide additional funding to Ukraine for its war with Russia, also had a message for Putin: "We will not walk away," he said.

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