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The **geopolitical** situation as of February 23, 2025, remains extremely tense. The world faces active conflicts that pose new challenges to **#global_security**.
## War in #Ukraine
The war has been ongoing for **11 years**, and the situation continues to escalate. **#Ukrainian_forces** maintain their defense with support from **#NATO** and other allies. NATO is expanding its presence in **#Eastern_Europe**, increasing its rapid reaction forces to **300,000 troops**. **#Sweden** and **#Finland** have joined the alliance, while **#Ukraine** has officially applied for membership. The EU has granted candidate status to Ukraine and **#Moldova** [1].
## Conflict in the #Middle_East
Since October 2023, war has raged between **#Israel** and the **#Hamas** group in **#Gaza_Strip**. The conflict has caused massive destruction and civilian casualties. Meanwhile, **#Iran** supports Hamas and other militant groups, threatening further escalation [2].
## Global Consequences
- **#Energy_crisis**: The war in Ukraine and sanctions against **#Russia** have disrupted energy supplies, driving up prices and forcing nations to seek alternative sources [3].
- **#Arms_race**: European and Asian nations are increasing **military spending**, reaching a record **$2.24 trillion** in 2022 [4].
- **#Political_instability**: Rising tensions in **#Balkans**, **#South_America**, and **#Africa** create new threats to global stability [5].
## Sources:
1. [Geopolitical consequences of the Russian invasion of Ukraine](https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%93%D0%B5%D0%BE%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%B8%D1%87%D0%B5%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B8%D0%B5_%D0%BF%D0%BE%D1%81%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%B4%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B2%D0%B8%D1%8F_%D0%B2_%D1%80%D0%B5%D0%B7%D1%83%D0%BB%D1%8C%D1%82%D0%B0%D1%82%D0%B5_%D1%80%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%81%D0%B8%D0%B9%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%B3%D0%BE_%D0%B2%D1%82%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%B6%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%8F_%D0%BD%D0%B0_%D0%A3%D0%BA%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B8%D0%BD%D1%83)
2. [Gaza War (since 2023)](https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%92%D0%BE%D0%B9%D0%BD%D0%B0_%D0%B2_%D0%93%D0%B0%D0%B7%D0%B5_%28%D1%81_2023%29)
3. [Global energy crisis](https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%AD%D0%BD%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%B3%D0%B5%D1%82%D0%B8%D1%87%D0%B5%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B8%D0%B9_%D0%BA%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%B7%D0%B8%D1%81)
4. [Worldwide military expenditures](https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%92%D0%BE%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%BD%D1%8B%D0%B5_%D1%80%D0%B0%D1%81%D1%85%D0%BE%D0%B4%D1%8B)
5. [Political instability worldwide](https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%9F%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%B8%D1%87%D0%B5%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B0%D1%8F_%D0%BD%D0%B5%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B0%D0%B1%D0%B8%D0%BB%D1%8C%D0%BD%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%82%D1%8C)