The December Gambit: Zelensky and Trump Set for High-Stakes Dec 28 Summit

A handshake that could reshape the global order is just days away. President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to hold a summit with President-elect Donald Trump as early as December 28. According to media reports, this meeting marks a pivotal turning point for the war in Ukraine. Since Trump's consistently pushed for a speedy end to the conflict, the discussion's likely to focus on potential peace negotiations and the future of U.S. military aid.

Japan's Record Budget Amid Economic Turbulence

Meanwhile, Japan's grappling with its own set of challenges. The government just finalized a massive budget of over 122 trillion yen for the upcoming fiscal year. While it's aimed at bolstering social security and defense, citizens are feeling the pinch elsewhere. Price hikes on 3,500 food items are set to kick in, threatening household spending at a time when recovery's already fragile.

The Grim Reality of Natural Disasters

The human cost of the Noto Peninsula Earthquake continues to rise, with the death toll now projected to reach 703. This tragedy, combined with recent cyberattacks on major retailers, highlights the urgent need for more robust national infrastructure and cybersecurity measures in an increasingly volatile world.