World News for December 26, 2025

  1. Zelenskyy to Meet Trump in the US for Ukraine Peace Talks

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to travel to the United States for a meeting with President Donald Trump on Sunday, amid intensified efforts by Washington to broker a peace deal to end Russia’s war in Ukraine. The discussions are expected to focus on territorial issues, which remain the main obstacle, with hopes that significant progress could be made before the New Year. This follows recent diplomatic engagements involving the US, Russia, and Ukraine, though Russian President Vladimir Putin has shown limited flexibility so far. Source: Reuters

  2. US Conducts Airstrikes Against Islamic State Targets in Nigeria

    The United States launched a “powerful and deadly” airstrike on Christmas Day against Islamic State militants in northwest Nigeria, targeting a camp after accusations that the group has been attacking Christians. Nigeria’s government cooperated publicly with the operation, potentially averting unilateral US action threatened earlier by President Trump. The strike has caused local panic in affected villages but highlights escalating US involvement in counterterrorism in Africa. Source: Reuters

  3. North Korea Advances Nuclear Submarine and Missile Programs

    North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspected munitions facilities and signaled continued development of missiles and nuclear-powered submarines over the next five years, releasing photos of a submarine hull. This escalation comes amid rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula, with Kim denouncing South Korea’s own submarine plans as provocative and emphasizing the need to bolster war deterrence. Source: Reuters

  4. Putin Open to Limited Territorial Swaps in Ukraine Deal

    Russian President Vladimir Putin indicated to business leaders that Moscow could consider swapping some occupied territories in Ukraine as part of a peace agreement, while insisting on full control of Donbas. This signal, reported amid ongoing US-mediated talks, suggests potential flexibility but maintains Russia’s core demands, including Ukraine’s renunciation of NATO aspirations. Source: Reuters

  5. Malaysia’s Najib Razak Sentenced to Additional 15 Years in 1MDB Scandal

    Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak was sentenced to an additional 15 years in prison and fined $2.8 billion for power abuse and money laundering in the largest trial related to the multibillion-dollar 1MDB corruption scandal. The ruling, which could impact political stability, adds to his existing jail time and underscores ongoing efforts to address one of the world’s biggest financial frauds. Source: Reuters

  6. Japan Approves Record Defense Budget Amid China Tensions

    Japan’s cabinet approved a record-high defense budget for 2026, increasing spending by 9.4% to bolster strike-back capabilities and coastal defenses, while aiming to reach 2% of GDP two years ahead of schedule. Beijing accused Tokyo of fueling a “space arms race,” highlighting escalating security concerns in the Indo-Pacific region. Source: The Guardian

  7. Oil Prices Fall Amid Supply Glut and Ukraine Peace Hopes

    Oil prices dropped more than 2% as markets weighed a projected global supply surplus of nearly 4 million barrels per day in 2026, according to the IEA. Investors are also monitoring potential impacts from Ukraine peace talks, which could lift sanctions on Russian oil and further pressure prices after a volatile year. Source: Reuters

  8. Gold Hits Record High on Safe-Haven Demand

    Gold surged to a new record above $4,500 per ounce in Asian trading, driven by safe-haven buying amid geopolitical uncertainties and expectations of further US Federal Reserve rate cuts. Precious metals have seen a strong rally as investors seek stability at year-end. Source: Reuters

  9. Myanmar Conflict Fuels Cross-Border Health Crisis

    Ongoing fighting in Myanmar has led to the spread of diseases like malaria and cholera, with attacks on health facilities documented by the WHO. Experts warn that the crisis could threaten regional health security, particularly in border areas with Thailand and Bangladesh, exacerbating humanitarian challenges. Source: The New York Times

  10. Asian Stocks Rise to Six-Week High

    Asian stock markets climbed to their highest levels in six weeks, with South Korea’s benchmark posting a remarkable 72% annual gain. The rally in precious metals and a softer yen supported optimism, though thin year-end trading limited volatility. Source: Reuters

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