Finland and Sweden File NATO Applications

Yes, Russia says this action will be seen as a threat to them.  The chess game continues.  Can the world stay away from WWIII or is this just more movement towards such?

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The pivotal Nordic countries of Finland and Sweden formally applied to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Wednesday, amid Russia's continuing invasion of Ukraine.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg told reporters that the treaty organization had formally accepted the applications, which have been in development over the past week.

"I warmly welcome the requests by Finland and Sweden to join NATO. You are our closest partners," Stoltenberg told reporters after a receiving their application letters from the two Nordic countries’ ambassadors.

 https://www.foxnews.com/world/finland-sweden-official-applications-nato-russia-ukraine