President Vladimir V. Putin, Russia’s master for nearly 20 years, and President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine, in office for just six months and with far fewer military and economic resources to call on, are meeting for the first time on Monday, seeking an end to five and a half years of war.

H/T: New York Times

Let the Ukraine peace talks begin.



Putin and Zelensky meet face-to-face for the first time, joined by Merkel and Macron. This is the first Normandy Format meeting in three years.



They're starting one hour later than planned. It's going to be a long evening. pic.twitter.com/0gQY8Ej45Y — Christopher Miller (@ChristopherJM) December 9, 2019

Zelensky is the star witness of the #ImpeachmentHearing going on right now, but he is busy in Paris trying to get peace for his fledging democracy. Talk about split screen. https://t.co/ngj82GcdiV — Barbara Malmet (@B52Malmet) December 9, 2019

Macron greeted Zelensky with a handshake and a smile, and a hand on his shoulder. Hugs and kisses were reserved for Putin. pic.twitter.com/t5eo4IYYE0 — ArianaGic/АріянаҐіць (@GicAriana) December 9, 2019

It’s not “Ukrainians,” though. It’s a few thousand hardliners on the streets of Kiev, who have zero mandate, from anyone. Led by Petro Poroshenko, who was crushed by Zelensky in this year’s election. Polls show 75% of Ukrainians support Zelensky’s meeting with Putin. https://t.co/65mJtqtN0k — Bryan MacDonald (@27khv) December 9, 2019

President #Putin has arrived at the Elysee palace in Paris to participate to the Normandy Format summit on Donbass with the French president Macron, the German chancellor Angela Merkel and #Ukraine's Zelensky. pic.twitter.com/lkHZH7nCIu — Enrico Ivanov (@Russ_Warrior) December 9, 2019