he world stage unfurls a drama ripe for satire, delivering a series of events that could have been lifted straight from a comedian's script.

Let's start with the pocketbook - the U.S. reports that its piggy bank for Ukraine is nearly empty, with 96% of funds depleted. It seems that money, much like the patience for prolonged conflict, does have its limits. Officials remain hopeful, though, believing in Ukrainian victory as fervently as children believe in the Tooth Fairy's financial contributions​​.

In a creative solution that might have some paws for thought, Ukraine's President Zelenskyy suggests that our four-legged friends could do a better job at world peace. Why bark up the usual diplomatic trees when you can have a planet run by dogs? Imagine, if you will, a world where the worst you can expect from international negotiations is a bit of drool and the occasional leg-humping incident​​.

Meanwhile, a Liberian-flagged vessel, minding its own business, transporting iron to China, got caught in the crosshairs of a missile strike. It's as if the Black Sea has become a dartboard for missiles, with every ship a potential bullseye. The strategy appears to be that if you can't trade with them, aim for their cargo ships - it's all about making a splash, after all​​

Lastly, Ukraine is doubling down on martial law, extending it for another 90 days, because nothing says 'just a few more months' like a recurring subscription to military rule. Perhaps the real game is seeing how long before the term 'temporary' loses all meaning altogether​​.

As we wrap up today's news, one thing is clear: the world could indeed be going to the dogs, and maybe that's not such a bad thing. After all, it's been a ruff year.