AnewZ Morning Brief - 28th June, 2025

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.

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