Japan’s PM, Ukraine-Russia, US inflation and Iran’s ceasefire demand

Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida says he will step down next month, succumbing to public disaffection over political scandals and rising living costs. Ukraine has pounded Russian regions with missiles and drones as Kyiv says it is advancing deeper into Russian territory. Only a ceasefire deal in Gaza would hold Iran back from direct retaliation against Israel for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh on its soil, three senior Iranian officials have said.  Find our recommended read here. Sign up for the Reuters Econ World newsletter here. Listen to the Reuters Econ World podcast here. Find the Recommended Read here.   Visit the Thomson Reuters Privacy Statement for information on our privacy and data protection practices. You may also visit megaphone.fm/adchoices to opt out of targeted advertising. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices