After Russia invaded Ukraine, Sweden reconsidered its defense policy and abandoned its neutrality to officially join NATO on Thursday.

Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson handed over the necessary documents to the US State Department in Washington, DC, marking the final step in the process to become the alliance's 32nd member.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken welcomed Sweden into NATO, emphasizing the values of freedom, democracy, individual liberty, and the rule of law.

Despite obstacles from Turkey and Hungary, who have close ties with Moscow, Sweden expressed gratitude to its allies and pledged to uphold unity, solidarity, and burden-sharing within the alliance.