A recent military simulation conducted by 'Die Welt' explored a scenario in which Russia, taking advantage of a supposed humanitarian crisis in Kaliningrad, rapidly occupies Marijampole, Lithuania, in the latter half of 2026. The exercise indicated critical weaknesses in NATO's unity and suggested a lack of resolve among German politicians, raising alarms that Moscow could achieve its objectives with limited military capabilities. The simulation, hosted at the Bundeswehr University Hamburg, involved retired officers, politicians, diplomats, and journalists, providing a collaborative platform for strategic discourse. Critics of the exercise argue that it unfairly overlooks the preparedness of the Lithuanian military to mount an immediate counteraction against any such aggression from Russia. In response to the simulation, 'Die Welt' took steps to better represent Lithuania's perspective by publishing an interview with Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene and committed to extensive coverage from Lithuania throughout the week. International security journalist Carolina Drüten visited the 15min newsroom in Lithuania during her trip, where she shared insights into the simulation's background and implications for regional security.