Story perspectives

Europe's Defense of Lithuania at Risk Without U.S. Aid

2/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

A wargame by WELT and the German Wargaming Center shows Europe could struggle to defend Lithuania without U.S. support amid a pullback.
The simulation concluded with 5,000 European troops deploying under the European Union (EU), while Germany hesitated to take immediate military action and pursued sanctions.
Participants, including former NATO officials, warned that Russia could threaten Europe after a peace settlement in Ukraine, as leaders await the Munich Security Conference.

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Story summary

A wargame by WELT and the German Wargaming Center shows Europe could struggle to defend Lithuania without U.S. support amid a pullback.
The simulation concluded with 5,000 European troops deploying under the European Union (EU), while Germany hesitated to take immediate military action and pursued sanctions.
Participants, including former NATO officials, warned that Russia could threaten Europe after a peace settlement in Ukraine, as leaders await the Munich Security Conference.