Sweden Joins NATO and Raises Flag at Headquarters

Sweden's flag was raised at NATO headquarters, solidifying its position as the 32nd member, two years after Russia's invasion of Ukraine prompted the country to seek NATO's security umbrella. The move marks the end of Sweden's post-World War II neutrality. The flag-raising ceremony was attended by Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, Crown Princess Victoria, and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg. The event signifies a strategic ring of NATO territory around the Baltic Sea and comes amid ongoing NATO drills in the high north involving 20,000 troops from 13 countries.