5.24.2023

Russia Border Attack

Russia claimed it killed 70 pro-Ukraine, ethnically Russian insurgents at its western border with Ukraine Tuesday, after what observers have described as the largest Ukrainian push into Russian territory in the 15-month conflict. Ukrainian defense officials denied supporting the foray into the Belgorod region, while Russia characterized the assault as directed by Ukraine.

Analysts claim two paramilitary groups led the attack: the Free Russia Legion—estimated at 4,000 members—and the Russian Volunteer Corps, a group responsible for a similar border assault in March. Group representatives claimed they had captured roughly a dozen square miles of Russian territory, much of which was reportedly evacuated by Russia before heavy shelling. Analysts argue the move could be intended to divert attention from Ukraine's long-anticipated counteroffensive as well as Russia's claims of success in the city of Bakhmut. 

Separately, a Russian judge announced yesterday the pretrial detention period for jailed Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich will be extended by three months to August. See background here.

Typhoon Mawar

Typhoon Mawar is poised to hit the US island territory of Guam with the force of a Category 4 hurricane today. The most powerful storm to strike the US Pacific territory in over two decades, the system is expected to bring a storm surge of six to ten feet, winds as high as 140 mph, and heavy rainfall. As of early this morning, most of the island was out of electricity.

Guam, located in the western Pacific, is home to three US military bases (see overview) and has a population of more than 150,000 people. Guam's governor yesterday ordered all residents in low-lying areas of the island to evacuate and relocate to concrete structures on higher ground. President Joe Biden also approved an emergency declaration, ordering federal assistance in response to the typhoon. 

Mawar is the strongest storm to impact Guam since Super Typhoon Pongsona in 2002, which caused more than $700M in damage at the time. Track Mawar's path here.

Social Media Advisory

US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy issued an advisory yesterday on the potential dangers of social media for children, highlighting its negative impact on mental health and overall well-being.

The report focused on children and teenagers aged 10 to 19, whose developing brains are particularly vulnerable. While social media can be beneficial as a creative outlet, studies show excessive social media use is linked to problems such as cyberbullying, exposure to harmful content, disrupted sleep patterns, negative body image, and reduced physical activity. Spending more than three hours per day on social media was found to double the risk of symptoms related to depression and anxiety—teenagers average around 3.5 hours. See the report here.

The advisory follows a request from the American Psychological Association last year for Murthy to raise awareness about the potential risks—nearly 95% of young people aged 13 to 17 use a social media platform.

The report outlines recommendations for technology companies and policymakers, including strengthening safety standards, enhancing data privacy measures, and considering age restrictions.

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