OREANDA-NEWS Russia's goal was to weaken NATO, but in the end, the alliance has strengthened as Finland and Sweden, which used to maintain neutrality, decided to join this organization, US President Joe Biden claimed.

Biden said that the aim of the Russian Federation was to destroy and weaken the alliance, but it turned out exactly the opposite - instead of "Finlandization of NATO", it turned out to be "Natovization of Finland".

"We are united like never before. And Finland and Sweden will be stronger than ever. Both countries have serious armies, these countries will increase NATO's borders by 8 thousand miles [about 13 thousand km], in particular, along the border of Finland with Russia", he added.

At the same time, speaking about contacts with the leaders of Sweden, Biden misspoke and confused this country with Switzerland. "Oh God, it looks like I got a little excited trying to expand NATO", the US President joked about this.

The day before, the NATO leadership decided to invite Sweden and Finland to the alliance, after Turkey withdrew its objections to this. It is expected that after receiving an invitation to join the alliance, the parties will have to agree on the terms of the entry. Sweden and Finland will become members of NATO when the parliaments of all member countries ratify this decision.