President Joe Biden expressed strong backing Wednesday for the bid by Finland and Sweden to join NATO in the face of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and offered US support in the event of “aggression” during the application process. “The United States will work with Finland and Sweden to remain vigilant against any threats to our shared security, and to deter and confront aggression or the threat of aggression” while their bid is considered, Biden said in a statement. “I warmly welcome and strongly support the historic applications,” he said.