Biden says Sweden, Finland have ‘full, total, complete’ U.S. support to join NATO

President Joe Biden on Thursday said Sweden and Finland have the “full, total, complete” backing of the U.S. as they seek to become the newest members of NATO. In remarks at the White House while flanked by Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson of Sweden and President Sauli Niinistö of Finland, Biden said he is sending the required documents to the Senate today so lawmakers there can move quickly to approve the countries’ applications. Finland and Sweden on Wednesday applied to join NATO, in a move that would bolster the military alliance’s leverage against Russia as Moscow continues its war in Ukraine. The two countries could become members within a matter of months if accession talks go well. U.S. and NATO officials have both expressed confidence that concerns raised by NATO member Turkey can be addressed.

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