In a recent interview, General Hodges addressed a military exercise scenario conducted by the German newspaper "Die Welt" and the Helmut Schmidt University center, which simulated a potential Russian invasion of Lithuania. The exercise reportedly included 16 former high-ranking German and NATO officials, legislators, and security experts who engaged in a role-playing scenario assuming that a Russian invasion could occur in October 2026, under the pretext of a humanitarian crisis in the Kaliningrad region. Notably, the scenario involves the seizure of the Lithuanian city of Marijampolė by Russian forces.

The Lithuanian military has also responded to international media reports about the military simulation discussing the potential for an attack on Lithuania, specifically targeting Marijampolė, and the implications of sudden military threats. One of the significant points emphasized in the Lithuanian army's statement was that while Lithuania trusts its allies, it is also preparing for possible scenarios on its own. This highlights the military's proactive stance in ensuring national security amidst growing concerns about Russian aggression in the region.

The discussion around this military simulation illustrates not only heightened anxieties regarding Russia's military ambitions but also the importance of NATO's collective defense mechanisms. The question posed about Poland's potential involvement in such a scenario raises crucial considerations about regional security alliances and the readiness of neighboring countries to respond to threats, indicating that the Baltic states remain vigilant in the face of possible conflicts.