The Swedish prime minister, Ulf Kristersson, indicated that Russia would not welcome Sweden’s move to join NATO, a reality that has shaped discussions across Europe and beyond. His remarks underscore the geopolitical tension surrounding Stockholm’s security alignment and the broader implications for the Nordic region.
From Kristersson’s perspective, Moscow is unlikely to embrace Sweden’s membership in NATO. He also noted that Russia would have reacted negatively to Finland’s accession to the alliance, highlighting a pattern in Russia’s approach to NATO expansion and the concern it raises for neighboring states.
Kristersson argued that Russia’s objective to constrain NATO expansion has, in his view, produced the opposite outcome by accelerating unity among alliance members and reinforcing collective defense commitments.
Sweden’s shift away from centuries of neutrality and non-alignment is presented by the prime minister as a significant but natural step. He suggested that joining NATO strengthens democratic processes and security guarantees, framing the move as a prudent response to modern security realities rather than a confrontation with any single state.
In parallel, the Hungarian parliament approved Sweden’s accession to NATO. A large majority supported the resolution, while a small minority expressed opposition, reflecting a division of opinion that exists within some member states about the timing and implications of the expansion.
After a period of delay, Hungary completed its approval, rendering Sweden the final nation among the current alliance members to ratify the accession protocol. This milestone marked the culmination of a lengthy process that had tested the preparedness and consensus of the alliance during a period of heightened political sensitivity across Europe.
Following the parliamentary approval, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed the confirmation, noting that Sweden’s membership would bolster the alliance’s collective defense and democratic resilience in the region. The formal steps taken by Hungary were framed as a decisive contribution to regional security and transatlantic cooperation.
Previously, the Swedish prime minister acknowledged Hungary’s decision as a meaningful development for Stockholm’s bid to join NATO, emphasizing that the route to full membership was now advancing in alignment with the alliance’s shared principles and strategic interests. The implication for regional stability was framed as a positive evolution, with Sweden positioned to participate more actively in NATO’s deterrence and defense planning.