Sweden takes major steps towards NATO membership approved by Turkish parliament. Finland and neighboring Sweden, which share a border with Russia, applied to join NATO in May of last year following Russia's military invasion of Ukraine.
Turkey has long stalled efforts to recognize Sweden, alleging that Sweden is supporting members of Kurdish armed groups seeking independence from Turkey. On the other hand, Russia, which strongly opposes NATO expansion, is expected to push back. The remaining country, Hungary, has also expressed its intention to negotiate with the Swedish side.