Escalating Russia-Ukraine Conflict as Japan Boosts Defense, Malaysia’s Ex-Prime Minister Convicted in Corruption Trial – 12/26/2025, 12:25:21 PM

Top world news as of December 26, 2025, centers on escalating Russia-Ukraine conflict developments, Japan’s record defense spending, and political convictions in Asia.

Ukraine-Russia War Updates

• Death toll rises after Russian drone strikes on Ukraine, with 131 drones launched overnight on Christmas Day, causing several deaths and injuries.[1]
• Ukrainian President Zelenskyy states a meeting with Trump is agreed and claims all sides are “much closer” to a peace deal, including a 20-point U.S.-negotiated plan under review by Moscow; he proposes a demilitarized zone in Ukraine’s eastern industrial heartland.[1]
• Ukraine battles to stabilize its southern front amid Russian infantry and drone assaults near Huliaipole.[1]

Asia-Pacific Developments

• Japan’s Cabinet approves a record defense budget exceeding 9 trillion yen to deter China.[1]
• Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak convicted in a corruption trial linked to the 1MDB fund looting.[1]
• Son of former Bangladesh PM returns after 17 years in exile, positioning for potential leadership.[1]

Other Key Global Stories

• Turkey begins black box analysis of a jet crash killing Libya’s military chief and seven others.[1]
• Algerian legislators declare French colonization a crime and demand restitution for 130 years of rule.[1]
• Rescue helicopter crashes on Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, killing all five aboard.[1]
• Russian court sentences pro-war activist Sergei Udaltsov, a Putin critic, to six years for justifying terrorism.[1]
• Explosion in Moscow kills three, including two police officers; Russia blames Ukrainian intelligence.[1]
• Euronews bulletin highlights Zelenskyy agreeing to U.S. peace plan (territorial issues pending), North Korea advancing its first nuclear-powered submarine, and Pope Leo XIV’s multilingual Christmas message urging compassion.[2][3]

These stories reflect reports from major outlets like ABC News and Euronews, primarily dated December 24-26, 2025; ongoing conflicts may evolve rapidly.[1][2]