Sweden's journey towards NATO membership is culminating in a historic shift, ending over 200 years of military non-alignment.

Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson will soon hand over the accession instruments to U.

S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, officially making Sweden the 32nd member of the defense alliance.

This move, a direct response to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, marks a significant departure from Sweden's long-standing policy of staying out of conflicts to maintain its freedom of action.

Joining NATO is seen as a way to ensure security not just for Sweden but also to contribute to the collective defense of democratic values.

However, it also signifies a commitment to being involved in conflicts beyond its borders, a stark contrast to its historical stance of neutrality.