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

Sweden’s ruling Social Democrats say they are joining NATO, putting the country on the path to a formal bid.

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

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

Finland has long avoided joining NATO in a bid to appease Russia, but the ongoing war in Ukraine has led the country to change its mind, with Finland sharing a one kilometer border with Russia.

In a statement, the Swedish Social Democrats say they will “work for” membership, a move supported by the public and most opposition parties.

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

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

Regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine, Blinken says the West’s continued support for Ukraine protects the fundamental values ​​of peace and security.

Meanwhile, the Russian government ridiculed Sweden’s and Finland’s ambitions to join NATO, saying it would have consequences.

The Kremlin revealed on Monday that it had “serious concerns” if neighboring nations joined the alliance, and pledged to respond accordingly.