NATO expands in 2023, but timing of Ukraine's membership at issue

Finnish military personnel hoisted the Finnish national flag at the NATO headquarters in Brussels, as Finland became the 31st member of NATO on April 4, 2023. [AFP]

2023 saw NATO welcome its 31st member, as Finland joined the alliance in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. However, Sweden's application is still being held up by Turkey, whose approval is expected in the coming weeks, while Ukraine's path to NATO accession remains uncertain.

NATO, or the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, was formed by 12 Western nations in 1949 to provide collective security against the Soviet Union.