Trump Zelensky Meeting, Netanyahu Mar-a-Lago Meeting, Rough Year For Poverty Aid

Good morning, Leila. Good morning. How was your Christmas? It was great. Exhausting. So we're almost at the end of 2025. Hard to believe. Right? Yeah. I mean, it feels like it passed so quickly because it's been a tough year. Busy year in the news, a tough year for NPR and local stations. You know, but despite that loss of federal funding for public media, despite continued attacks on the free press, we are still here, and we are here for you. Up first, and NPR will keep reporting the news without fear or favor. Yeah. We're committed to being here, to bringing you the news you need to start your day every morning, but we need your support now more than ever. And right now, before the end of the year, it's the best time to make your gift. Thank you to our NPR Plus supporters who help sustain NPR and to everybody who has already stepped up to donate. That includes Sarah in Georgia, who says, Up First is a great start to the day. I even smile at A's jokes even though it's too early for them. I know. We feel her pain. Whoops. My headphones fell off. Oh, no. Ouch. Reacting to Sarah. I agree with you, Sarah. Too early for them. But he's on Pacific time. So is it too late for them? Either way, whether you love the jokes or, don't love them so much They're pretty funny. Join the community of public radio supporters today by signing up for NPR Plus. It's a simple, recurring donation that gets you perks to a whole bunch of NPR podcasts, including Up First. And you support public media while you listen. Join us at +.npr.org. President Trump met with Ukraine's president on Sunday after he had spoken with the Russian leader. Trump insisted Russia wants to see Ukraine succeed, but Russia kept up attacks over the weekend. So is Moscow really willing to make peace? I'm Leila Fadil. That's Michelle Martin, and this is Up First from NPR News. Israel's prime minister is meeting president Trump today at a time where there's still so much to be done to get to peace in Gaza. Will the meeting lead to the next phase in the plan to permanently end the war? And after a year of government funding freezes and policy reversals, groups that help millions of Americans say they are operating in constant uncertainty. When we got that news, we were in immediate emergency response mode. Like, what are we gonna do? What does that mean for people who rely on those programs? Stay with us. We'll give you news you need to start your day. Support for NPR and the following message come from GoodRx. The holidays are here, but so is cold and flu season. Find relief for less with GoodRx. You could save an average of $53 on flu treatments, plus save on cold medications, decongestants, and more. Easily compare prescription prices …