Sweden will allow NATO to deploy troops on its territory even before it officially joins the Alliance, Prime Minister Ulf Kristerson and Defense Minister Pal Jonsson said today.

Last year, Sweden applied to join NATO because of Russia's attack on Ukraine, but Turkey and Hungary delayed its admission.

"The government has decided that the Swedish Armed Forces can carry out preparations with NATO and member states to enable future joint operations. "Preparations may consist of temporary accommodation of foreign equipment and personnel on Swedish territory," the Swedish authorities said.
"This decision sends a clear signal to Russia and strengthens Sweden's defenses," Kristersson and Jonsson told Swedish media.

They assessed that Russia remains a threat to neighboring countries in the coming period and added that they are not sure how far the territorial ambitions of Russian President Vladimir Putin are.

Finland, which applied for membership in the alliance along with Sweden and shares a long border with Russia, joined NATO in April this year.