Rob Schmitz

In related news, Germany's Merz declared the era of Apex Americana over in a speech over the weekend, warning of a permanent U.S.

withdrawal from Europe after the Trump administration published its national security strategy, a document that heavily criticized European leaders as being weak and ineffective.

Rob Schmitz, NPR News, Berlin.

The meeting comes as the Kremlin reaffirms it will give its blessing for a ceasefire only after Ukrainian forces have withdrawn from parts of the Donetsk region that they still control.

It's a demand that's likely to be rejected by Ukraine.

Witkow and Kushner plan to meet with Zelensky as well as key European leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

In related news, Germany's Merz declared the era of Apex Americana over in a speech over the weekend, warning of a permanent U.S.

withdrawal from Europe after the Trump administration published its national security strategy, a document that heavily criticized European leaders as being weak and ineffective.

Rob Schmitz, NPR News, Berlin.

Hey Isha, greetings from Berlin.

Hey, I've got a question for you.

So when you started hosting Up First, did you ever think that someday you and your team would be nominated for a Golden Globe Award?

Congratulations.

Millions of Americans face dramatic price hikes, but can Congress reach a deal to alleviate the pain?

And I'm Rob Schmitz, and this is Up First from NPR News.

This is something that the people of the state of Washington have not faced before, this level of flooding.

Governor Bob Ferguson calls on people to follow evacuation orders.

We'll have all the latest.

We have the news you need to start your weekend.