Up First from NPR Russia's New Ukraine Offensive, New Tariffs On China, Fentanyl Smuggling Increases
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May 14, 2024 U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's surprise visit to Kyiv comes amid a tense new Russian offensive, challenging Ukrainian forces. President Biden’s upcoming tariffs on Chinese goods aim to strengthen domestic manufacturing, impacting electric vehicles and semiconductors. Meanwhile, the alarming rise in fentanyl smuggling from China and Mexico poses a serious crisis, with drug-related deaths surging despite extensive border security efforts.
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New Russian Offensive
- Russia launched a new offensive in northeastern Ukraine, near Kharkiv, causing thousands of Ukrainians to flee.
- Dima Yermolovich, a Ukrainian soldier, says they are outnumbered and lack sufficient equipment to hold back the Russian forces.
Deteriorating Conditions in Vovchansk
- In Vovchansk, conditions worsened rapidly as Russians dropped aerial bombs and fired continuously.
- Volunteer Krikhory Cherban describes a dramatic increase in evacuation requests as the town faces another occupation.
Targeted Tariffs
- Biden is imposing new tariffs on Chinese imports, focusing on electric vehicles, semiconductors, and solar cells.
- These targeted tariffs aim to protect key American sectors and address China's unfair trade practices, especially in areas where the US has invested heavily.