Marek Kutarba: Will Germany defend the Suwałki Corridor against Russia?
The article discusses a recent war game simulation reported by Die Welt regarding a hypothetical Russian attack on Lithuania via the Suwałki corridor, raising questions about NATO's readiness and response.
The article delves into a war game simulation discussed in the German media that envisions a Russian attack on Lithuania through the Suwałki corridor. This scenario, highlighted in Die Welt, suggests a swift and overwhelming defeat for NATO within just three days. While the dramatic timeline is attributed more to imaginative narratives than realistic simulations, it reflects growing concerns over regional security. The simulation portrays events unfolding in October 2026, following an unfavorable peace for Ukraine, wherein Russian forces, instead of returning home after exercises in Belarus, would occupy southern Lithuania and construct fortifications that hinder NATO's access to the Baltic region.
Furthermore, the article emphasizes the geopolitical implications of such a simulation, questioning the preparedness of NATO allies, particularly Germany, in defending against potential incursions into Eastern European NATO member states. It discusses the strategic importance of the Suwałki corridor, which connects Poland to the Baltic states and is considered a vital link for NATO reinforcement in the region. The exercise, while fictional, serves to highlight existing vulnerabilities and the urgent need for a cohesive defense strategy among NATO members.
In conclusion, Kutarba calls for a more serious assessment of military strategies and inter-allied cooperation in light of these hypothetical scenarios. He underscores that while simulations may exaggerate certain outcomes, they prompt essential discussions about defense readiness and regional security dynamics, especially in the context of Russian military activities in Eastern Europe.