Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 12th, covering the latest developments you need to know.

1. Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan expand economic ties

Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan discussed deepening economic cooperation at the IV Tashkent International Investment Forum, led by Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov. A key panel titled “Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan: Vector of Economic Partnership” focused on expanding bilateral trade, joint investments, and collaboration in energy, transport, agriculture, industry, and digital technologies.

Elnur Aliyev, Azerbaijan’s First Deputy Minister of Economy, highlighted the significant growth in trade turnover with Uzbekistan, which has more than tripled in 2025. Both nations are strengthening ties through mechanisms like the Joint Intergovernmental Commission and the Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan Investment Company.

Aliyev also met with Qatar’s Minister of Commerce and Industry to explore further opportunities for joint investments and infrastructure development. The forum reflects a growing commitment to strengthening Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan economic relations and regional cooperation.

2. German defence minister visits Ukraine for talks on weapons support

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has arrived in Kyiv to discuss further military support for Ukraine, focusing on additional weapons aid as pressure on Russia increases. Pistorius is set to meet Ukrainian officials to negotiate further assistance, emphasizing Germany's commitment to supporting Ukraine in its defense and positioning it for future negotiations with Russia.

Germany remains Ukraine’s second-largest military backer after the U.S. The conflict, which began with Russia’s invasion in February 2022, continues despite peace talks earlier this month in Istanbul.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz recently approved the supply of "long-range fire" weapons to Ukraine, further escalating tensions with Moscow.

3. Eastern Cape Floods: death toll rises to 49 people

The death toll from floods in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province has risen to 49, including schoolchildren and the driver of a minibus. Heavy rains and snowstorms caused severe flooding near Mthatha, where a school minibus carrying 13 students and two adults was swept away. Six bodies have been recovered, and four students remain missing.

Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane expressed deep sorrow and highlighted ongoing search and rescue efforts. The most affected areas include the O.R. Tambo district municipality.

Residents shared harrowing accounts of survival, with one family crediting a baby’s cries for saving their lives. Floods have become more frequent and severe, with experts linking the rise to climate change.

4. North Korea will always stand with Russia, leader Kim tells Putin

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un praised Russian President Vladimir Putin as his "dearest friend" in a message on June 12, marking Russia Day. Kim reaffirmed North Korea's unwavering support for Russia, describing their relationship as a "genuine partnership between comrades-in-arms." He expressed the "unshakable will" to strengthen ties between the two nations. Kim also conveyed his congratulations to Putin on Russia Day and earlier confirmed that North Korea had sent troops to support Russia in the Ukraine war.

6. Russia hits Ukraine's Kharkiv with nighttime barrage of drones

A Russian drone attack on Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, on Wednesday killed six people and injured 64, including nine children. This attack followed Russia’s two largest air assaults on Ukraine this week, which Moscow claims are retaliations for Kyiv’s recent attacks in Russia.

Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov reported another wave of drone strikes on Thursday, targeting four districts, including one that landed in a school courtyard. No additional casualties were reported. Meanwhile, Russian attacks on energy facilities left the southern regions of Mykolaiv and Kherson without power.

The recent drone strikes in Kharkiv caused fires in a five-storey apartment block, with several buildings and public areas damaged. President Zelenskyy condemned Russia's continued attacks, calling for increased pressure. The Ukrainian military reported 85 drones launched overnight, 40 of which were shot down.

Kherson and Mykolaiv are dealing with power outages after Russian forces targeted key energy infrastructure. No immediate comment was made by Russia regarding the attacks. 

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