On Monday, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M) visited US President Joe Biden at the White House. The meeting revolved around the issue of Swedish NATO membership and the likelihood of ratification during the NATO countries' upcoming summit in Vilnius.
"We both realize that the Vilnius meeting in a week is a very appropriate time for Swedish membership, but only Turkey can make Turkish decisions," Ulf Kristersson told SVT News.
"My realistic assessment is that it would be good and that it is entirely possible," he said in a comment to TT.
'Very important' for the US
During a press conference, Joe Biden said that he believes Sweden will make NATO stronger and that Swedish membership is "very important".
"Sweden is a capable and committed partner. Together we are ready for the NATO meeting next week and I want to emphasize that the United States fully supports Sweden's entry into NATO, said Joe Biden.
Ulf Kristersson emphasizes that the United States not only wants but also acts for Sweden to be accepted into NATO.
"I feel very comfortable and confident that the United States is now doing its part and really emphasizing that it is in their interest that Sweden joins NATO. Nothing is clear," he told SVT News.
May be due to F-16
On Wednesday evening, reports emerged that the United States is nearing a sale of F-16 fighter jets to Turkey. Such a deal is a possible concession that the United States could give Turkey in exchange for ratifying Sweden's NATO application. If the information is correct, it means that we are closer to Swedish NATO membership, says Middle East analyst Aras Lindh in SVT's live broadcast.
"The problem in the United States is that it's not something that the White House can decide for itself — it's Congress," he said, adding that Congress has blocked such a sale.