The fact that diplomatic meetings are taking place is in itself a step forward, according to Foreign Minister Ann Linde.

Still, there is little evidence that the meetings to be held in Paris today will lead to progress.

The talks are held within the so-called Normandy model.

The name comes from when Germany and France came together in French Normandy with Ukraine and Russia in an attempt to reduce tensions in 2014.

- We try to keep alive the diplomatic talks that Russia has participated in, with the United States and NATO and within the OSCE, to see if we can come to something, Linde says.

"Can be a way forward"

She emphasizes that several of the demands made by Russia are completely unacceptable, but that there are still things where one could agree.

Among other things, armaments control and confidence-building measures.

- This is a way forward but you can not talk away the red lines, we will never agree that we must not choose our security policy ourselves, says Ann Linde.

She hopes that today's meeting between Ukraine and Russia can lead to talks at higher levels.

- I hope that Russia does not say that it does not want to go the diplomatic route.

I'm not optimistic in any way, we have a diplomatic offensive right now but it can still go completely to hell, says Linde.

See more in the clip above.