DISINFO: Sweden does not intend to join NATO, only the United States wants it
SUMMARY
Sweden, which did not join NATO even during the Cold War, does not intend to join the North Atlantic Alliance. This is exclusively what the United States wants, wishing to subjugate all European countries for the sake of their own "security". Sweden is doing everything possible not to become a member of NATO.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin narrative targeting the process of Sweden's accession to NATO, portraying it as forced.
The Swedish Government decided, in line with strong popular support, that country will apply for NATO membership on 16 May 2022, as a result of Russia's aggression against Ukraine on 24 February 2022, after many security policy discussions with the parties of the Parliament and based on a detailed report showing a deterioration of the security environment. Sweden submitted its application for NATO membership on 18 May 2022, at the same time with Finland.
The process continued in 2023. On 8 March 2023 Swedish Government presented the bill on NATO membership to the Parliament and on 22 March the lawmakers approved Sweden’s accession to the NATO. All these activities show the conscious and unforced will of Sweden's governing bodies to decide on the country's accession to NATO.
Since 5 July 2022, Sweden has been an official NATO Invitee, attending meetings and coordinating activities with the Allies. It will become a NATO Ally once all Allies have ratified its Accession Protocol, it is said on NATO website. Finland, who applied for a membership at the same time, became a NATO member on 4 April 2023.
See here a similar case claiming that American decide for Swedes regarding accessions to NATO.