Breaking: Putin arrives in Paris for peace talks with Zelenskiy, Macron, Merkel; motorcade heads for Élysée Palace. 
Putin-Zelenskiy meeting not just hugely significant for fate of Ukraine, but for Macron's initiative to normalize relations with Russia after 5 years of sanctions.
Zelenskiy had hoped to secure a White House visit so he could meet Putin with a strong show of US support. Instead, Washington is tearing itself apart over Ukraine; Macron reaching out to Putin; Merkel heading into retirement.
Kremlin TV sniffs as Zelenskiy pulls up at Élysée Palace in a Renault minivan.
Putin arrives last at Élysée Palace but only about 10 minutes late, which Kremlinologists interpret as a sign he really cares about this meeting.
Another slight for Zelenskiy is that after Paris summit, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov will fly on to DC to deliver Kremlin's version of events.
After Zelenskiy and Putin each speak to Merkel and Macron one-on-one, all four sit down together. Zelenskiy-Putin meeting will take place only after closing press conference.
In the back of the room, next to Russian FM Lavrov, is Kremlin adviser Vladislav Surkov, sanctioned by EU (and US) for his role in Crimea's annexation.
Update: Russian and Ukrainian media report that Zelenskiy-Putin tête-à-tête has begun. Statements to press evidently coming afterwards.
Kremlin TV reported half an hour ago that the four leaders were eating dessert. This being France, that means about halfway through dinner. Press conference follows.
Kremlin TV relishes reporting on Macron's domestic problems because of pension reform. But when Putin reformed Russian pension system last year, Russian state media stopped calling it a reform, not to mention a problem.
Kremlin TV: Paris talks are over after 5.5 hours, including a 2-hour dinner and 1.5-hour tête-à-tête between Putin and Zelenskiy.
Breaking: Ukraine, Russia, France, Germany reaffirm commitment to original Minsk peace process and agree to 3 points:
1) "Full and comprehensive" cease-fire and "all-for-all" prisoner swap by end of year;
2) More discussion on "special status" for Donetsk, Luhansk regions; "Steinmeier Formula" to become Ukrainian law;
3) 4 foreign ministers to follow up in April, discuss local elections.
2) More discussion on "special status" for Donetsk, Luhansk regions; "Steinmeier Formula" to become Ukrainian law;
3) 4 foreign ministers to follow up in April, discuss local elections.
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