BySABRINA PENTY, FOREIGN NEWS REPORTER
Published:11:41 GMT, 13 February 2026|Updated:13:31 GMT, 13 February 2026
Russiacould defeat Natowith its army of just 15,000, European experts have warned.
In a war game simulating a Russian assault on the organisation, former German and Nato officials revealed that President VladimirPutincould secure a victory within days of launching an attack.
Following the exercise, security experts have also cautioned that Russia could be positioned to execute such an operation within just 12 months.
The simulation envisions events unfolding in October 2026, with Russia attempting to capture the Lithuanian city of Marijampole.
Putin would need just 15,000 troops to gain control of the Baltic nation, with the simulation highlighting Nato hesitation.
Austrian military expert Franz-Stefan Gady, who took on the role of the Russian Chief of the General Staff in the simulation, said the game saw the US decline to activate Nato's Article 5, which would force all members to defend an ally from attack.
Meanwhile,Polandactivated its forces but ultimately decided against dispatching its troops, whileGermanywas reluctant to respond as Russia advanced.
'Deterrence depends not only on capabilities, but on what the enemy believes about our will, and in the wargame my "Russian colleagues" and I knew: Germany will hesitate. And this was enough to win.'
Source: Drudge Report
