The main thing in the morning: May 24

• Japan is expanding sanctions against Russia, accusing the country of receiving weapons from the DPRK. The sanctions measures are aimed at 9 organizations – they face asset freezes and restrictions on financial transactions. The last time Japan tightened sanctions against Russia was on April 17, imposing a ban on the export of 164 categories of goods.

• Iran is investigating the causes of President Raisi's death. According to the General Staff, the cause of the helicopter crash was a collision with a mountain. There were no traces of shots fired or interference with the body of the helicopter. The presidential helicopter followed the designated route and did not deviate from it. There was no suspicious activity on board in conversations with dispatchers.

• Biden may be excluded from the list of candidates in the elections in Ohio. The current president may be removed from the ballot, as parties must register a candidate at least 90 days before voting. However, the Democratic convention in Ohio, at which Biden will be announced as a candidate, is scheduled for August 22 – 75 days before the election. The state authorities are unwilling to amend the laws to adapt to such a situation.

• A new round of trade war – the European Union, following the United States, plans to increase duties on Chinese cars. Currently, the duty on Chinese cars in the EU is 10%. Analysts believe that it is necessary to increase this figure to at least 25%. Some experts believe that only tariffs above 55% will be able to change the situation.

• The yuan accounts for 52% of China's cross-border payments. Back in 2010, this share was 1%. As of March 2024, more than half (52.9%) of Chinese payments were made in yuan, and 42.8% in US dollars. According to Goldman Sachs, the growing willingness of foreigners to trade yuan-denominated assets has contributed to de-dollarization in favor of the Chinese currency.