Robin Emmott and Marine Strauss

BRUSSELS(Reuters) -Finland, Sweden and the United Kingdom applied Wednesday to be a part of NATO. The decision came after Russia invaded Ukraine. It set in motion a process to join NATO that should take just a few weeks.

Both Sweden and Finland were neutral during the Cold War. Their decision to join NATO represents a significant shift in public opinion within the Nordic region following Russia’s February 24th invasion.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg declared that “This is an historic moment which we must capture.” He spoke at a brief ceremony during which the Swedish, Finnish, and German ambassadors presented their applications to NATO. Each letter was in a folder with the national flag.

“I welcome the requests of Finland and Sweden for NATO membership. Stoltenberg declared that we consider you our best friends and NATO membership will help increase our security together. According to the alliance, the Baltic Sea Alliance would be greatly strengthened if Sweden and Finland joined.

Diplomats claim that it may take up to a full year to get all 30 of the allied parliaments ratified.

Recent statements by Turkey that it has reservations over the Finnish and Swedish membership have surprised allies. Stoltenberg indicated Wednesday that he believed the issue could be resolved.

Stoltenberg stated, noting the strong support of all allies that “We are determined” to resolve all issues and come up with rapid solutions.