Renewed U.S. engagement puts South Caucasus higher on Washington’s agenda
A renewed wave of U.S. diplomatic activity in the South Caucasus highlights Washington’s growing focus on regional connectivity, trade and security,...
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for 28th June, covering the latest developments you need to know.
1. Trump halts Canada trade talks over digital tax, warns of new tariffs.
U.S. President Donald Trump has abruptly ended trade negotiations with Canada, condemning its new digital services tax on American tech giants as a “blatant attack” and pledging to announce fresh tariffs within a week.
The move disrupts months of progress following a G7 accord and comes as Washington also races to finalise deals with China, Japan and India before a self-imposed summer deadline.
2. Trump says Gaza ceasefire possible within a week.
President Donald Trump voiced confidence on Friday that a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas could be reached within a week, pointing to encouraging signs from ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump said he had spoken to key figures involved in the negotiations and believed a resolution was close, despite continued disagreements over core issues such as Hamas’ disarmament.
3. Drone strike on Odesa residential building leaves two dead, several injured.
A drone strike on the southern Ukrainian city of Odesa overnight on 28 June resulted in the deaths of two people and left at least 14 others injured, according to Ukraine’s State Emergency Service.
The incident triggered a fire in a high-rise residential building, with emergency teams rescuing several individuals, including a child. Authorities reported that ongoing air raid alerts complicated rescue efforts.
4. Lithuania withdraws from landmine ban treaty over Russia threat.
Lithuania has formally notified the UN of its withdrawal from the landmine ban treaty. The move was announced by the foreign minister on X and will take effect six months after the notification.
Facing growing Russian threats, Lithuania and neighboring NATO-EU members Latvia, Estonia, Finland, and Poland are withdrawing from the treaty. The collective shift reflects rising regional tensions and a recalibration of defense strategies.
5. Europe battles wildfires as heatwaves.
Intense heatwaves have pushed European temperatures beyond 40°C, triggering wildfires and alerts. Wildfires erupted in several Turkish provinces, and a firefighting plane crashed in Adana. Greece faces its first major heatwave, with temperatures expected to reach 41°C inland.
Spain and Portugal are preparing for extreme heat, with Portugal possibly hitting 44°C. Officials warn dry conditions and winds could increase fire risks regionwide.
The U.S. and Iran have reportedly reached a preliminary 60-day ceasefire and nuclear talks deal, pending Donald Trump’s approval, Axios reports. Meanwhile, the GCC condemned Iran’s missile strike on a U.S. airbase in Kuwait, which Tehran said was retaliation for a U.S. strike near Bandar Abbas.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says ongoing conflict, funding pressures and international travel restrictions are complicating efforts to contain a fast-growing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Bolivia’s President Rodrigo Paz has taken steps towards potentially declaring a state of emergency as anti-government protests intensify in the early months of his administration.
A group of Azerbaijani civil society organisations has called for increased scrutiny of Swiss building materials giant Holcim, citing court rulings and ongoing investigations linked to its subsidiary Lafarge's activities during the Syrian conflict.
Russia and Kazakhstan signed 15 agreements during President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to Astana on Thursday (28 May), including deals on Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant and expanded oil cooperation with Russia.
A growing majority of Europeans believe the European Union should pursue a more independent foreign policy and reduce its reliance on the U.S., according to a new survey published on Friday.
An Inca child mummy discovered high in the Andes more than a century ago has been returned to an indigenous community in north-western Argentina after spending 119 years in a museum collection.
India is expected to experience its weakest monsoon in more than a decade in 2026, raising concerns over crop production, food prices and economic growth as the country also grapples with inflationary pressures linked to the Iran conflict.
Kenyan authorities have arrested eight students on suspicion of arson following a fire at a girls’ boarding school that killed 16, according to the country’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations. The blaze, which happened in Kenya's Rift Valley, also injured dozens of students.
The British government has unveiled 300,000 new work experience and training placements for young people after a major review warned that rising youth unemployment could leave more young people disconnected from work, education and training.
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