China News Service, April 11 (Xinhua) As the focus of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine turns to eastern Ukraine, NATO tends to provide Ukraine with heavier long-range weapons.

NATO Secretary-General Stoltenberg revealed in an interview with the media recently that NATO military commanders are making plans to permanently station troops in NATO's eastern border areas.

Finland and Sweden, on the other hand, are expected to apply to join NATO by this summer, joining the ranks of checks and balances.

NATO touts 'new normal' for European security

　　Stoltenberg said in an interview with the British "Daily Telegraph" that NATO "is in the midst of a very fundamental change" and that "what we are seeing now is a new reality, a new European security. Normalcy. So we are now asking NATO's military commanders to provide options for what we call a reset, which is a long-term NATO adaptation."

Data map: NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg.

Photo by China News Agency reporter De Yongjian

　　He also said that NATO's eastern flank would become a full-scale deterrent if a permanent troop presence was achieved.

The report pointed out that NATO leaders are expected to make a decision on the matter at a summit in June.

　　According to Singapore's "Lianhe Zaobao" report, US Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Milley also said earlier that he can foresee that NATO will set up permanent bases in Poland, Romania, the three Baltic countries and other member states, and establish permanent military presence by rotating troops.

　　US Defense Secretary Austin pointed out that the United States and NATO have not yet decided whether to establish permanent bases or additional rotating forces, or both.

Finland and Sweden to apply to join NATO as early as this summer

　　On the other hand, the British "The Times" quoted an American official as saying that Finland and Sweden are expected to apply for NATO membership as early as this summer.

Finland's application is expected to be submitted in June this year, with Sweden likely to follow.

Data map: On May 11, 2017, in Grafenwall, Germany, the 2017 "Formidable European Tank Challenge" was held, and the troops of NATO member states such as the United States participated in the competition.

　　The report pointed out that Finland has been militarily neutral to avoid angering its neighbor Russia.

However, support for joining NATO has soared among Finns since Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine.

　　The national security assessment, commissioned by the Finnish government, will be submitted to Congress, which will then vote on whether to apply for NATO membership.

Russia-Ukraine conflict or entering a new stage?

　　NATO has also continued to assist in providing military assistance to Ukraine as it adjusts its long-term strategy.

Slovakia has provided Ukraine with the S-300 air defense missile system, and in return the United States will provide Slovakia with the Patriot missile system.

　　The New York Times pointed out that this marks a new stage in the Russian-Ukrainian conflict.

NATO is now leaning towards supplying Ukraine with heavier long-range weapons as the focus of the conflict shifts to eastern Ukraine.

On March 1, local time, two explosions occurred near the TV tower in Kyiv, Ukraine.

　　The West has so far sent Ukraine mainly short-range, easy-to-use defensive weapons, but as Russia shifts its military focus to the Donbass, Ukraine now needs longer-range and better air defenses and weapons.

　　Vindman, a retired U.S. military officer, pointed out that a "key gap" between the Ukrainian army and the Russian army is the lack of the ability of the Ukrainian army to attack enemy targets more deeply.

"Russia has an advantage in air power ... in order to bring the two sides closer together, we have to transfer more (long-range weapons)," he said.