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🎧 The fact that the two leaders met is a sign of momentum toward a peace deal, NPR’s Danielle Kurtzleben tells Up First. But a peace didn’t appear to be imminent after the meeting, and both leaders said that talks would continue. One of the topics of discussion is how to handle the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine. Russia seeks to control the area, and Zelenskyy believes it should be a demilitarized zone. 

🎧 Israeli officials say they see no signs that Hamas is ready to disarm, which may prompt Netanyahu to urge the U.S. to keep the pressure on Hamas to honor its end of the bargain, according to NPR’s Michele Kelemen. Israel also shares similar sentiments about Lebanon — where Hezbollah remains a threat — and Iran, where Israelis say the country is building up its ballistic missile stockpile. Kelemen says one thing to watch for in the meeting is whether Trump will announce a board of peace or take steps forward in getting an international force on the ground in Gaza. 

🎧 Hatas says 80% of the group’s funding comes from federal grants, which is why their biggest challenge is the uncertainty over what could be targeted next for funding cuts or pauses. The state has helped by shifting funding to fill gaps, but the group still had to pull back on things like plans to build a homeless shelter, Ludden says. Staff are leaving, driven by concerns about job security. The group has also had to lay off or reduce the hours of some staff members. Next year, potential cuts to Medicaid and SNAP food aid could leave more people in need.