Zelenskyy Seeks US Support as Trump Heads to Meet Putin

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Today’s Highlights

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet with President Trump today in the White House, marking their third meeting this year. Zelenskyy aims to request long-range weapons capable of reaching deep into Russia and seeks Trump’s help in securing a ceasefire deal favorable to Ukraine. Meanwhile, Trump recently spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin and announced plans for a meeting in Hungary to discuss ending the conflict. Discover more about what to anticipate from Trump’s meeting with Zelenskyy.

• 🎧 Trump was initially open to the idea of supplying Tomahawk cruise missiles, which have a range of thousands of miles, until his conversation with Putin, according to NPR’s Joanna Kakissis on Up First. Putin cautioned that supplying these missiles to Ukraine could be seen as a provocation. Ukraine has targeted Russian oil facilities over 50 times since August, impacting Russia’s fuel supply. Ukrainian military officials claim this has led to a decline in Russia’s momentum on the frontline, with Ukrainian forces reclaiming some territories. With Trump’s imminent meeting with Putin, there is concern in Ukraine about Trump’s potential shift in stance.

John Bolton, former national security adviser during Trump’s first term, has been indicted for mishandling classified materials. The indictment charges Bolton with eight counts related to transmitting national defense information and ten counts of unlawful retention of such data, with each count carrying a possible 10-year sentence. Bolton, who became a vocal critic of Trump post his tenure, commented on the indictment.

• 🎧 The president has pushed the Department of Justice to prosecute political adversaries, leading to a series of indictments, although Bolton’s case originates from a distinct U.S. attorney’s office, states NPR’s Ryan Lucas. The case followed standard protocols, with investigations beginning under the Biden administration. Bolton claims he has become a “latest target in weaponizing the Justice Department,” and he is eager to defend his actions and unveil the president’s alleged misuse of power.

Gaza faces challenges in reconstruction as the initial phase of the ceasefire holds. The region is lacking funds, unexploded ordnance lies amidst debris, and approximately 90% of the infrastructure is damaged or destroyed.

• 🎧 The first priority for Palestinians is debris clearance, followed by securing reconstruction materials, explains NPR’s Greg Myre from Tel Aviv. Cement, a fundamental building resource, has reportedly been diverted by Hamas in the past to construct extensive concrete tunnels in Gaza. To prevent recurrence, Israel plans to monitor construction resources closely, potentially slowing the influx of materials into Gaza.

Deep Dive

With therapy costs rising, many individuals are turning to AI chatbots for emotional support. OpenAI reports that ChatGPT has close to 700 million weekly users, with over 10 million subscribing at $20 monthly. Although the number of users employing these chatbots as “mental health companions” remains unknown, some users find them the most accessible support option. However, experts caution against considering them a replacement for therapy or companionship.

• ➡️ AI chatbots can be useful when they incorporate evidence-based treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy, with ethical safeguards and collaboration with a licensed therapist, notes Dr. Jodi Halpern, a psychiatrist and bioethics expert at UC Berkeley.
• ➡️ Halpern emphasizes that chatbots should not act as emotional confidants or simulate therapeutic relationships, as this can foster emotional dependency.
• ➡️ A potential issue arises when users engage with both an AI chatbot and a therapist, without informing the therapist, potentially leading to conflicting guidance and undermining therapy.

Learn more about the dangers of using AI for mental health.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide or in crisis, contact 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Weekend Recommendations

Andrew Scott, left, as Richard Rodgers and Ethan Hawke, right, as Lorenz Hart in Richard Linklater’s Blue Moon. Sabrina Lantos/Sony Pictures Classics

Sabrina Lantos/Sony Pictures Classics

Discover what NPR is exploring this weekend:

🍿 Movies: Director Richard Linklater and actor Ethan Hawke discuss their latest film Blue Moon with Morning Edition host Leila Fadel. The story centers on a pivotal night for lyricist Lorenz Hart, coinciding with the premiere of Oklahoma!

📺 TV: As the temperatures drop, it’s an excellent opportunity to enjoy some new television series. Check out these 12 new and upcoming releases.

📚 Books: Julian Brave NoiseCat’s latest book, We Survived the Night, is a blend of memoir, Indigenous history, and “coyote stories.” He shares with NPR the significance of creating art and narrating stories from an Indigenous viewpoint.

🎵 Music: From Tame Impala’s Deadbeat to Gucci Mane’s Episodes, explore this week’s new albums.

🎮 Gaming: Pokémon Legends: Z-A represents a groundbreaking advancement for the franchise, running seamlessly on the Switch 2 and overcoming the issues seen in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, as reviewed by Jamal Michel.

🍲 Food: Michael W. Twitty’s new cookbook, Recipes from the American South, offers home cooks insights into Southern cuisine, reflecting the region’s intricate and evolving history. Discover the Okra Soup recipe featured in this collection.

❓ Quiz: Achieving a ‘not too shabby’ score of seven out of 11. Now, it’s your chance to take it on.

Before You Go: 3 Key Points

NPR’s Susan Stamberg attends the ceremony honoring her with a star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles on March 3, 2020. Michael Tran/AFP via Getty Images

Michael Tran/AFP via Getty Images

1. NPR ‘founding mother’ Susan Stamberg, the first U.S. woman to anchor a nightly national news broadcast, passed away yesterday at 87. View photos celebrating her legacy here.
2. Consumer Reports found elevated lead levels in certain protein powders but advises this may not necessitate disposal. Learn what to consider before buying.
3. Doctors caution against an instant ramen trend posing burn risks, fueled by the animated film KPop Demon Hunters.

This newsletter was edited by Obed Manuel.