Sweden is following Finland’s lead on joining NATO

been a byword for non-alignment ever since the cold war, when the Soviet Union forced it to remain neutral. As recently as January, Sanna Marin, the prime minister (pictured, right), declared it “very unlikely” her country would join during her current term of office. But Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has upended many predictions. On May 12th Ms Marin and Sauli Niinisto, the president, both declared that Finland “must apply” for membership in the Atlantic alliance as soon as possible. The country’s coalition government is expected to approve that decision on May 15th, and a formal request will probably follow next week. Vladimir Putin’s attack on Ukraine, intended to push back from Russia’s borders, has instead brought it closer.The Finns co-ordinate their defence policies closely with Sweden, which is also formally non-aligned. Under Magdalena Andersson, its new prime minister (also pictured), Sweden too is moving towards joining , but more cautiously. As in Finland, the crucial moment will come on May 15th, when Ms Andersson’s Social Democrats will make their decision. The party is expected to back membership, reversing its longstanding commitment to non-alignment. Sweden too will probably start its next week.