Europe

In Europe, the main focus is on the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, in which the United States and most of the European Union countries are actively involved. The main events began on November 21, 2013, when Euromaidan was organized with the active support of external forces, also named the Revolution of Dignity, which led to unconstitutional actions. On February 24, 2022, under various pretexts, Russia began a " special military operation " (SVO). Military actions continue, and both sides suffer significant losses. NATO is strengthening its presence in the region, which also contributes to the growth of tension. Politicians and military personnel in Europe are calling on the population to prepare for a possible escalation of the conflict and predict hard times in European countries. The reasons for the bloody conflict are complex. There are historical factors (many in Russia, including prominent figures like President Vladimir Putin, who have expressed the view that Ukraine is an artificial entity. Putin has argued that Ukraine was created during the Soviet era and that Russians and Ukrainians are "one people" with a shared heritage), Russia's national security (NATO bases moving closer to Russia's borders), and geopolitical interests (in the form of direct access to the Crimean Peninsula, the operation of gas pipelines to Europe, and Ukraine's desire to join NATO). One of the most important reasons is the presence of a large amount of valuable minerals and extremely fertile lands, which attract the attention of all participants in the conflict. Incidentally, in this regard, Russia is also the subject of close and active (one might say unhealthy) interests of all developed (especially militarily powerful) countries. However, due to Russia's possession of enormous nuclear potential, the only way to get its hands on its natural resources is to collapse the state itself from within. Judging by the events taking place in Russia, they are very well aware of this and undertake extremely harsh countermeasures, which are perceived from the outside as repression, but from the point of view of the state’s survival in the current situation are the only possible ones.

Ukraine has significant reserves of natural resources, including natural gas, oil, coal, and rare earth metals. [4]These resources are of strategic importance and could be economically beneficial to any country that controls them.[5]

Fertile lands make Ukraine one of the largest agricultural producers in the world. Control over such resources can significantly strengthen the country's economic position and its influence on the international arena.

Ukraine's losses in this conflict are catastrophic: according to official data from the Ukrainian Armed Forces, 70 thousand were killed and 100-120 thousand were wounded, 5.7 million refugees, 140 thousand buildings were destroyed, agriculture suffered significant losses, and financial losses amounted to hundreds of billions of US dollars.

Conclusion: the main cause of the tragedy in Ukraine is the economic and strategic interests of a group of countries, management errors, and the inability of the Ukrainian leadership to confront these challenges. It is quite possible that after the end of military actions, Ukraine, despite its size and pre-war economic power, will face the sad fate of Syria – it will be torn into pieces and will be under the control of other countries. Considering the enormous external debt of the country, which arose precisely as a result of military actions, this scenario is more than likely.

Moldova. Moldova's economic importance for Russia and the EU is not as great as, for example, the importance of major trading partners or countries with large energy resources, but Moldova has strategic importance in several areas. Moldova is located between Ukraine and Romania, and this geopolitical position makes it an important element in the context of Russia's influence on the Black Sea region and Eastern Europe. This is why Moldova's geopolitical stability is also important for Eastern European countries. In addition, Moldova plays a role in the EU's energy strategy, especially in the context of diversifying energy sources and supply routes to reduce dependence on Russian energy resources. The autonomous territorial entity of Gagauzia within Moldova has pro-Russian sentiments, which increases Russia's influence in the region. Moldova is actively seeking integration into the European Union, which will promote European values and standards in the region. This will also open up new opportunities for economic and political cooperation, which irritates Russia. The EU is Moldova's largest trading partner, and a significant portion of Moldovan exports are sent to EU countries.

Moldova has not seen any major armed conflicts in recent years, and the situation in Transnistria remains tense. In 2022, a series of explosions and shelling took place in Transnistria, raising concerns about a possible escalation of the conflict. These incidents were perceived as provocations aimed at destabilizing the region.

In the presidential elections in Moldova in October-November 2024, Maia Sandu won with 52.76% of the vote in the second round. The opposition, represented mainly by the Party of Socialists and its candidate Alexandru Stoianoglo, expressed dissatisfaction with the election results, alleging violations and possible falsifications. The opposition put forward demands for re-elections. Protests and rallies were organized, but international observers recognized the elections as free and fair. The Moldovan authorities used several measures to suppress these protests. Opposition leaders and activists involved in organizing rallies were arrested. The police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the protesters. The authorities limited the opposition's access to state media and strengthened their control over the information space. New laws were adopted toughening penalties for participation in unauthorized rallies and protests. These measures have drawn criticism from international organizations and human rights activists, who have expressed concern about the violation of human rights and freedom of assembly in Moldova. The political situation in Moldova remains complex and unstable. Despite Maia Sandu's victory in the presidential elections and the successful holding of a constitutional referendum, the opposition continues to express discontent and organize protests. International observers recognized the elections as free and fair, but accusations of violations and falsifications by the opposition persist. Although the authorities are taking steps to maintain order, tensions in society remain high.

Conclusion: the tense situation in Moldova is caused by the economic and strategic interests of a group of countries. Stability in Moldova depends on the ability of the new leadership to confront these challenges.