These are the so-called scenario studies that the New York Times has taken possession of. “In this way, politicians, diplomats and soldiers can try to prepare for various imaginable scenarios,” says Wijninga, a defense specialist at the Center for Strategic Studies in The Hague. “They ask: What are we to do if this or that happens? It’s almost an academic exercise.”
This also includes extreme scenarios whose probability is very low, such as the death of Russian President Vladimir Putin or his Ukrainian counterpart Volodimir Zelensky. “The consequences of that would be very serious and that means you need to pay serious attention to them.”
Also related to the war itself
For example, according to the defense specialist, it could be possible that after Putin’s possible death, another leader will come forward who is even more fanatical about waging war and takes more extreme measures. “Like using those tactical nukes anyway.”
“The most logical scenarios refer to the war itself,” Wijninga points out. “For example: suppose Crimea is conquered by Ukraine. What would be the Russian reaction and what would be the consequences?’