Sweden follows Finland in confirming it will apply to join Nato

Vladimir Putin warns that any deployment of alliance military infrastructure would certainly provoke' Russian response

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The Swedish government has confirmed it intends to apply for membership of Nato, joining neighbouring Finland in a dramatic decision that marks one of the biggest strategic consequences of Russia's invasion of Ukraine to date.

There is a broad majority in Sweden's parliament for Sweden to join Nato," said the prime minister, Magdalena Andersson. This is the best thing for the security of Sweden and its people ... We are leaving one era behind us and entering a new one."