Sweden applied for NATO membership

Sweden has applied for NATO membership like Finland.

It is being considered a formidable challenge to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersen announced on Monday that Sweden would request NATO membership, like Finland, in the wake of Russia's attack on Ukraine.

This historic change comes after more than 200 years of military non-alignment in this Nordic country.

However, this is expected to increase the displeasure of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Putin has already waged war over issues such as Ukraine's military alliance moving towards NATO.

Military conflict has been going on between the two countries for almost three months.

Russian forces have withdrawn troops from around the capital Kyiv, but have intensified military action in the Donbass region.

It is believed that Russia wants to completely remove Ukraine from the maritime border. 

Sweden and Finland are also Russia's border countries and pressure on them has increased since Russia's action on Ukraine.

The President and Prime Minister of Finland have already said that their country supports joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

However, Turkey can become a major obstacle in getting NATO membership for these two countries.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has said that he does not support these countries' stance for NATO membership.

NATO membership requires the support of all existing member states for a new country.

If Turkey vetos then this matter could be in trouble.

Putin has already said that NATO's expansion into the eastern border is a challenge to its territorial sovereignty and that he will vigorously oppose it.