If that were true it would only make the contrary position (what Russia claims is the truth)...what? ...a very 'Eastern' thing to say. And so?That is an extremely Western thing to say.
I think we can take sides on current affairs, especially affairs of some importance. I think we can happily and competently decide whether the pronouncements and denials that come out of Russia, with its particular political system (shall we call it a 'corrupt oligarchy'?)are to be taken as more or less truthful than those coming out of the US or NATO (without taking sides, myself, on which I would go for...after all, some people (in 'the West', mind you, where they are still free to do so...)say that the USA is a corrupt oligarchy...). There may be Russians who buy the game, and who support their political oligarchy, there may be others who don't. Also, to criticise the political oligarchy running the country and milking it is not to criticise 'Russia' (or the USA, if you think their system is corrupt). It doesn't mean you've said something offensive to those Russians who may or may not be in here. But I'm just making the point that where people are being killed and it's a very significant world event (especially for Europe) then I don't have a problem with people taking sides. I think you definitely should take sides.
For myself, I'm British and only too happy to read criticism of the british political system and british actions abroad. If people criticise the UK I don't assume they're criticising me, and I'm glad people have an opinion and express it freely. If they happen to be Chinese, say, then I wouldn't discount it by calling it 'Eastern', because I'm happy for political regimes of any sort to be criticised. the more the better.
But you're right that the devs - mindful of the Russian market - might wish to make sure they don't, for financial reasons. But the suggested scenario doesn't take sides, I think. No? Alternative history/what-if - different terms for the same thing - something that didn't happen. Didn't happen yet, in the case of Ukraine, and highly unlikely to, if we're talking about NATO v Russia.
Lots of what if questions and a modern European setting can generate some interesting and fairly even scenarios
Couldn't agree more. And I thnink it would be a plus point for most newcomers to the game, and those thinking of buying, that they could play a topical red-hot scenario - for both 'western' and 'eastern' newcomers and potential buyers. I think it would be good for the OTS coffers, for sure. And thus good for the game.