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EXPLAINER: Next steps for Finland, Sweden on NATO membership

FILE - In this photo provided by the Swedish Armed Forces on Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2020, troops patrol by both air and sea in the Baltic Sea region. Finland and Sweden have signaled their intention to join NATO over Russia’s war in Ukraine and things will move fast once they formally apply for membership in the world’s biggest security alliance. Russian President Vladimir Putin has already made clear that there would be consequences if the two Nordic countries join. (Antonia Sehlstedt/Swedish Armed Forces/TT via AP, File) FILE - A moment of the military exercise SWENEX at the Marine regiment in Berga, Sweden, Oct. 27, 2021. Finland and Sweden have signaled their intention to join NATO over Russia’s war in Ukraine and things will move fast once they formally apply for membership in the world’s biggest security alliance. Russian President Vladimir Putin has already made clear that there would be consequences if the two Nordic countries join. (Fredrik Sandberg/TT via AP, File) FILE - Finnish soldiers take part in the Army mechanised exercise Arrow 22 exercise at the Niinisalo garrison in Kankaanp'', Western Finland, on May 4, 2022. Finland and Sweden have signaled their intention to join NATO over Russia’s war in Ukraine and things will move fast once they formally apply for membership in the world’s biggest security alliance. Russian President Vladimir Putin has already made clear that there would be consequences if the two Nordic countries join. (Heikki Saukkomaa./Lehtikuva via AP, File) FILE - Reservists of the Karelia Brigade shoot with live rounds during the Etel'-Karjala 22 (South Karelia 22) local defence exercise in Taipalsaari, south-eastern Finland, on March 9, 2022. Finland and Sweden have signaled their intention to join NATO over Russia’s war in Ukraine and things will move fast once they formally apply for membership in the world’s biggest security alliance. Russian President Vladimir Putin has already made clear that there would be consequences if the two Nordic countries join. (Lauri Heno/Lehtikuva via AP, File) FILE - Members of Gotland's Regiment patrol in a tank, on a road in Visby, nothern Gotland, Sweden, Sunday Jan. 16 2022. Finland and Sweden have signaled their intention to join NATO over Russia’s war in Ukraine and things will move fast once they formally apply for membership in the world’s biggest security alliance. Russian President Vladimir Putin has already made clear that there would be consequences if the two Nordic countries join. (Karl Melander/TT News Agency via AP, File) Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson talks during the parliamentary debate on the Swedish application for NATO membership, in Stockholm, Monday, May 16, 2022. Finland and Sweden have signaled their intention to join NATO over Russia’s war in Ukraine and things will move fast once they formally apply for membership in the world’s biggest security alliance. Russian President Vladimir Putin has already made clear that there would be consequences if the two Nordic countries join. (Henrik Montgomery/TT News Agency via AP) FILE - Flags flutter in the wind outside NATO headquarters in Brussels, Feb. 7, 2022. Finland and Sweden have signaled their intention to join NATO over Russia’s war in Ukraine and things will move fast once they formally apply for membership in the world’s biggest security alliance. Russian President Vladimir Putin has already made clear that there would be consequences if the two Nordic countries join. (AP Photo/Olivier Matthys, File) FILE - A Russian Imperial double-headed eagle is seen in front of a Swedish flag on the Czarina's Stone in the Market Square, in Helsinki, Finland, Friday, May 13, 2022. Finland and Sweden have signaled their intention to join NATO over Russia’s war in Ukraine and things will move fast once they formally apply for membership in the world’s biggest security alliance. Russian President Vladimir Putin has already made clear that there would be consequences if the two Nordic countries join. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner, File)