US newspaper says Kiev 'shocked' by Moscow's changes, Sweden worries about bad scenario from Russia

South Africa believes in the peace process, and the United Nations has yet to access the area affected by the Kakhovka dam collapse – these are some of the latest developments regarding the situation in Ukraine.

A Russian tank moves through the Pospana region of Ukraine. (Source: Reuters)

Recently, the New York Times noted that reports from the field in the Russia-Ukraine conflict indicate that Moscow's forces have indeed changed tactics during clashes. Accordingly, the Russian military has significantly improved the discipline, coordination, and air support capabilities of its units.

Specifically, a Ukrainian soldier interviewed by the newspaper admitted he had never witnessed so much firepower from these positions. This indicates a significant change in the combat tactics of the Russian Armed Forces (VS RF).

The New York Times paid particular attention to the clashes for control of the city of Bakhmut. The American newspaper noted that in the fighting there, the Russian army demonstrated a high level of skill and equipment.

According to the analysis, the activities here are part of a "patient, disciplined approach," showing that VS RF is willing to learn from its mistakes and strive to correct them.

The American newspaper also emphasized that, despite the difficulties and obstacles on the battlefield, Russia has shown a willingness to change and adjust its tactical methods to respond to the actions of its adversaries. This demonstrates the flexibility and strategic thinking of the VS RF Command in the context of the current conflict.

Meanwhile, assessing the current situation, the Wall Street Journal (USA) discussed the impact of Russia's superior air and artillery capabilities on the current situation on the ground in Ukraine. The authors of the article argue that this is a key factor allowing the Russian military to gain the upper hand against the Ukrainian Armed Forces (VSU), which are equipped with modern Western weapon systems.

Accordingly, despite “significant efforts” to counter Russia’s dominance in the eastern and southern regions, Ukraine has only achieved “ambiguous results”.

In that context, the VSU Command decided to temporarily halt the attack to assess the situation and conduct a thorough strategic analysis in order to achieve the desired results.

* In related news, on June 18, Swedish television station SVT quoted sources revealing a report from the Swedish Parliament's Defense Committee. According to the report, Stockholm believes that a Russian military attack on the Nordic country cannot be ruled out.

According to a Swedish parliamentary report expected to be released on June 19 (local time), although Russian ground forces are currently "tied down" in Ukraine, other forms of military attack on Sweden cannot be ruled out.

The Swedish Parliament's report also outlines a new defense doctrine for the country, based on membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) instead of the previous doctrine based on cooperation with the Nordic countries and the European Union (EU). The chairman of the Swedish Parliament's Defense Committee has not yet commented on this information.

* In related news, on June 18, the office of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa stated that visits by African peace missions to Russia and Ukraine have paved the way for promoting a resolution to the current conflict.

The Presidential Palace statement said: “Today (June 18), President Ramaphosa concluded a two-day working visit to Ukraine and Russia, where African leaders proposed a peace path to the 16-month-long conflict between the two countries.

The proposals put forward by African leaders during their trip to Ukraine and Russia laid the groundwork for future commitments that will contribute to the path toward peace and the resolution of devastating conflicts.

According to the statement, the African delegation put forward several key elements to begin moving toward peace, including de-escalating the conflict; releasing prisoners of war and children; adhering to the UN Charter's principle of sovereignty; ensuring humanitarian assistance for those in need; and post-war reconstruction, among other factors.

The statement said: “The peace mission to Ukraine and Russia has concluded its first round of contacts with both sides.”

The South African presidential palace also added that President Ramaphosa felt encouraged by the warm welcome from the presidents of Ukraine and Russia.

* On the same day, the UN Humanitarian Aid Coordinator in Ukraine, Denise Brown, criticized Russia for “to date refusing our requests for access to areas under the temporary control of its military” following the collapse of the Kakhovka dam on June 6, which caused flooding and disrupted supplies for the population.

The official stated: “The United Nations will continue to seek access. We call on Russian authorities to act in accordance with their obligations under international humanitarian law… Aid cannot be denied to those in need.”

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/tinh-hinh-ukraine-bao-my-noi-kiev-soc-vi-thay-doi-cua-moscow-thuy-dien-lo-kich-ban-xau-tu-nga-231447.html