AnewZ Morning Brief - June 18th, 2025

Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 18th, covering the latest developments you need to know.

1. G7 concludes with no Japan-U.S. trade breakthrough

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced on Tuesday that Japan and the United States have not reached a comprehensive tariff agreement, with key disagreements persisting between the two economic powers.

Speaking to reporters in Calgary, Ishiba emphasized Japan's commitment to securing a trade deal that is mutually beneficial while staunchly safeguarding its national interests. A central point of contention remains the 25% tariff imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump on Japanese auto imports, a measure Ishiba stated is significantly impacting Japanese companies, particularly in the automotive sector, and has broader implications for the global economy.

2. Trump speaks with Netanyahu after crucial meeting on Israel-Iran conflict

President Trump spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday evening after meeting with his national security team about the escalating war between Israel and Iran, an Israeli official told Axios.

3. China's Xi signs treaty to elevate ties with Central Asia

China President Xi Jinping signed a treaty to elevate ties with Central Asian nations on Tuesday, as Beijing looks to further deepen cooperation on trade, energy and infrastructure with the resource-rich region.

Since Russia-Ukraine war, Beijing has been stepping up efforts to boost economic links with Central Asian nations traditionally within Russia's sphere of influence, drawn by their strategic location and energy resources.

4. In Bonn, parties fail to reach agreement on Global Stocktake’s call to transition away from fossil fuels

The climate community met in Bonn for the June Climate Meetings, preparing for COP30. On the first day, civil society protests highlighted urgent climate action. Disagreements over agenda items, including trade restrictions and climate finance, delayed the meeting. The EU advocated for broader finance discussions. The meeting resumed on June 17.

A workshop on the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) featured 490 indicators, focusing on vulnerable groups and avoiding increased reporting burdens. Delegates discussed a new gender action plan, economic diversification, workforce transition, and a pilot project converting a disused mine into a hydroponic farm. Fossil fuel transitions elicited mixed intentions.

5. Ukraine war latest: Massive Russian attack kills 22, injures 134 in Kyiv

At least 22 people have been killed and at least 134 others injured after a mass Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv overnight on June 17.

Ukraine's National Police initially reported 15 dead and 124 injured in the attack, but Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko later revised the death toll to 10. The State Emergency Service subsequently updated the figure to 16 as of 11 p.m. on July 17.

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