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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)
Геополитические последствия в результате российского вторжения на Украину — Википедия

Competition over millions of years preserves genetic diversity of three crustaceans

Hosts and their parasites are in constant competition. Through genetic diversity, the host can change in such a way that infection is no longer possible. However, the parasite adapts quickly—and the game starts all over again. This is also referred to in evolutionary biology as the "Red Queen model" after the character in the book Alice in Wonderland who keeps running without getting anywhere.

Study analyzes potato-pathogen 'arms race' after Irish potato famine

In an examination of the genetic material found in historic potato leaves, North Carolina State University researchers reveal more about the tit-for-tat evolutionary changes occurring in both potato plants and the pathogen that caused the 1840s Irish potato famine.

Phys.org
How do _Candida auris_ and other fungi develop drug resistance? A microbiologist explains

Multidrug-resistant fungal infections are an emerging global health threat. Figuring out how fungi evade treatments offers new avenues to counter resistance.

The Conversation
New research sheds light on how malaria parasites adapt to their human hosts

A study has characterized the factors that cause the malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, to invest resources into reproduction—to maximize transmission to other hosts—or replication—to ensure survival within its current human host.

Phys.org
Research team proves bacteria-killing viruses deploy genetic code-switching to deceive hosts

Scientists at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory have confirmed that bacteria-killing viruses called bacteriophages deploy a sneaky tactic when targeting their hosts: They use a standard genetic code when invading bacteria, then switch to an alternate code at later stages of infection.

Phys.org