Despite Vladimir Putin’s best efforts to destabilise and weaken NATO, Sweden and Finland have now both confirmed they will join the strategic alliance

Sweden’s governing Social Democrats say they back joining NATO, setting the nation on path to formally apply.

This announcement followed Finland’s earlier confirmation that it will also join the grouping.

Russia has long seen NATO as a security threat and has warned there will be “consequences” in response to further expansion.

Finland has long avoided joining NATO in a bid to keep Russia happy, but the ongoing war in Ukraine has led to the country having a change of heart, with Finland sharing a kilometre border with Russia.

In a statement, Sweden’s Social Democrats say they will “work toward” membership, which is a move supported by the public and most opposition parties.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken remain confident no member-state will block either country from joining the alliance, despite objections voiced by Turkey.

Blinken says he is “very confident” all parties will reach consensus.

When it comes to the ongoing war in Ukraine, Blinken says the West’s ongoing support of Ukraine is protecting the fundamental values of peace and security.

Meanwhile, Russia’s government has ridiculed Sweden and Finland’s ambitions to join NATO, stating in doing so would have consequences.

The Kremlin on Monday revealed it has “grave concerns” if the neighbouring nations did join the alliance, and stood firm that they will respond accordingly.