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Last week, the Senate voted 95 to 1 to ratify the entrance of Finland and Sweden into the world’s most powerful military alliance. In May, both nations began the formal process of applying

to NATO amid the backdrop of Russia’s war in Ukraine. Mr Biden tweeted: “Finland and Sweden's decision to join NATO is a watershed moment for our Alliance. “It will help ensure greater

security and stability for our world.” He also called the partnership an “indispensable alliance” and added: “In seeking to join NATO, Finland and Sweden are making a sacred commitment that

an attack against one is an attack against all.” The US became the 23rd ally to approve NATO membership for the two countries. Mr Biden encouraged their succession and welcomed the

countries’ government heads to the White House in May, standing side-by-side with them in a display of US-backing. The US and its European allies have rallied together in the face of Putin’s

military invasion. However, the Russian leader has made sweeping statements this year condemning NATO. Putin has also issued veiled reminders of Russia’s nuclear arsenal and asserted

Russia’s historical claims to the territory of many of its neighbours. READ MORE: UKRAINE LIVE: PUTIN ROCKED BY 'MULTIPLE' EXPLOSIONS AT RUSSIAN BASE He tweeted: “Earlier, I spoke

with President Niinistö and Prime Minister Andersson to offer my congratulations and the United States' support as their countries move one step closer to joining the strongest alliance

in the world: NATO.” Moscow, long wary of NATO expansion, has opposed the two nations’ plans to join the alliance. Both Finland and Sweden already meet many of the requirements to be NATO

members. Some of the requirements include having a functioning democratic political system, a willingness to provide economic transparency and the ability to make military contributions to

NATO missions.