First briefing: Zelenskyy on NPR; Pope Leo; Kimberly Guilfoyle: NPR

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In an interview with NPR, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the Trump administration warned it could reduce intelligence sharing with Ukraine unless Ukrainian forces cease long-range drone strikes on Russian oil refineries. Zelenskyy said the administration’s decision to lift sanctions on Russian diesel would not lower fuel prices and refuted President Trump’s assertion that Ukraine was behind the price hike, instead pointing to the war in Iran. This interview comes as Russia’s full-scale invasion approaches its fifth anniversary.

• 🎧 Zelensky says every piece of intelligence is crucial for Ukrainebecause stopping ballistic missiles is a top priority, says NPR’s Joanna Kakissis First. The missiles have killed dozens of Ukrainians, including more than 20 people recently at an apartment building in Pryluky. Zelenskyy told Kakissis about visiting an injured girl in hospital whose father died in the attack, although she did not know it. Zelensky says he deeply feels the impact of each attack. Last week, Trump said Russia and Ukraine had agreed to halt some strikes on energy sites. Zelensky said he would comply if Russia did the same. Two hours after Trump’s announcement, Russia targeted a Ukrainian power plant and strikes continued.

Pope Leo XIV diagnosed with lung cancer following surgery to remove a tumor from his lung, the Vatican announced. Doctors at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital removed the lower lobe of 71-year-old Pope’s right lung in a successful procedure that lasted about 90 minutes. Postoperative analysis confirmed the diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma.

• 🎧 NPR’s Scott Detrow says the lung experts he spoke with are optimistic on the state of the pope, based on statements from the Vatican. Dr. Vin Gupta of the University of Washington says the doctors’ actions suggest they detected the cancer at an early stage, which suggests it has not spread. If this is the case, this diagnosis may not have an impact on his lifespan. The pope will remain hospitalized for several days and his schedule is free for at least a week. Detrow has spoken to several of the Pope’s friends, who have been in contact with him and say he remains responsive and in good spirits.

Trump ousted Kimberly Guilfoyle as ambassador to Greece. She was a prominent MAGA figure and the former fiancée of his eldest son. Guilfoyle has faced unflattering allegations that she was trying to profit from her position, which she denies. The Wall Street Journal reported a series of questionable actions by Guilfoyle last month. One incident had her asking a Trump donor for $100,000 to pay off a credit card bill, promising to use her connections within the administration in return.