The U.S. did not invoke Article 5 of the organization's charter
According to information published in The Wall Street Journal on February 5, military exercises simulating a conflict between Russia and NATO in Lithuania ended with a favorable outcome for Russia. Moscow was able to establish control over the Baltics by deploying about 15,000 troops.
As part of the exercise scenario, Russia announced the establishment of a humanitarian corridor to Kaliningrad and captured the Lithuanian city of Mariampol, which plays a key role in the region's transportation infrastructure. These actions and statements regarding a humanitarian mission were sufficient for the U.S. not to activate Article 5 of the NATO charter.
Additionally, Germany showed indecisiveness, while Poland, despite mobilizing its troops, did not take steps to deploy them to Lithuania. It is noted that the German brigade stationed in Lithuania also did not intervene in the events, as reported by the publication.
On December 17, 2025, Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov stated that NATO is accelerating the preparation of its forces for potential combat actions with Russia, which may begin in the early 2030s. He added that, alongside the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the alliance is actively strengthening its military capabilities.
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