1. The death toll from torrential rain, floods and mudslides has risen to 1,379 in Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Thailand. Evacuees living in shelters say they will not be able to return home anytime soon and they are worried about their children’s health.
2. Japan has signed a deal to give Ukraine an aid package worth about 26 million dollars to help the country clear away landmines. In October, the Japanese government hosted an international conference in Tokyo to discuss support for landmine removal efforts in Ukraine. The government decided to provide the nation with the financial aid package during that meeting. The money will be used to acquire mine clearing equipment and for other purposes.
3. Russian President Vladimir Putin has hosted US special envoy Steve Witkoff for talks on ending the fighting in Ukraine. They likely discussed a peace plan backed by the US and issues related to territory. However, Russia and Ukraine remain divided in their positions, and it is unclear if a breakthrough was reached.