Veteran BBC world affairs editor John Simpson expressed profound concern about the year 2025, citing multiple ongoing conflicts and the potential for geopolitical instability. With a career spanning over six decades and encompassing coverage of more than 40 wars, Simpson stated, "I've reported on more than 40 wars around the world during my career, which goes back to the 1960s... But I've never seen a year quite as worrying as 2025 has been."

Simpson's apprehension stems not only from the number of active conflicts but also from the potential for one of them to trigger a global crisis. He highlighted the conflict in Ukraine, where President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned of a possible escalation into a world war. Simpson acknowledged Zelensky's warning, stating, "After nearly 60 years of observing conflict, I've got a nasty feeling he's right."

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has become a focal point of international tension, pitting Russia against Ukraine, with many Western nations providing support to Kyiv. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has been particularly vigilant, monitoring Russian activities that could destabilize the region and beyond. NATO governments are reportedly on high alert for any signs that Russia is cutting undersea cables that carry electronic traffic.

Tensions between Russia and the West have been escalating for years, rooted in historical grievances, differing geopolitical interests, and accusations of interference in domestic affairs. The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 led to a redrawing of the European map and the expansion of NATO eastward, moves that Russia views as a threat to its security.

Beyond the immediate conflict in Ukraine, Simpson's concerns reflect a broader unease about the state of global affairs. The rise of nationalism, increasing competition between major powers, and the proliferation of advanced weaponry contribute to a volatile international environment. Cyber warfare, disinformation campaigns, and economic coercion are increasingly employed as tools of statecraft, further blurring the lines between peace and conflict.