Sweden May Allow NATO to Deploy Troops Before Gaining Membership

Sweden's Prime Minister and Defense Minister said today (Friday) that their country may allow the North Atlantic Treaty Organization ( NATO) to deploy troops on its territories even before it officially joins the alliance.

Last year, Sweden applied to join the Western alliance in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Objections from Turkey and Hungary delayed approval of the request, and Sweden now hopes to make progress in this regard by the date of the NATO summit scheduled in Lithuania next month.

Prime Minister Ulf Kristershon and Defense Minister Pal Jonsson said: “The government decided that the Swedish Armed Forces should make the necessary preparations with the Alliance and the member states; To facilitate joint operations in the future ».

“The preparations may include the temporary deployment of foreign equipment and soldiers on Swedish soil.

They affirmed the decision sends a clear message to Russia and strengthens Sweden's defense."

They added that Russia will remain for the foreseeable future a threat to neighboring countries and that the extent of President Vladimir Putin's regional ambitions is unclear.

Finland, which shares a long border with Russia, joined the alliance in April.