One side wants to see a ceasefire and a withdrawal of Russian troops.
The other side, Russia, has not wanted to comment externally on what they want with the talks.
Anders Lidén is a former diplomat and ambassador with long experience of negotiations.
He sees no fault in holding talks between the parties, but finds it difficult to see that it will lead to anything positive.
- Here we have a party who has invaded another and wants to negotiate with a gun to their heads.
I'm not very optimistic that it can achieve anything.
As long as the Russians demand capitulation, one can not expect the Ukrainians to agree to anything, he says.
"Not in the interest of Ukraine"
What Russia may want is promises that Ukraine will not join NATO or the EU, says Anders Lidén.
- But it is definitely not in Ukraine's interest to agree to it.
On the contrary, the interest in joining the EU or NATO is probably greater than ever.
Unclear what they came up with
Both parties were silent after the first meeting.
The comments they gave to the media were brief and without details.
Is it a good or bad sign?
- It could be whatever.
But because I'm pessimistic, I see it as a bad sign.
I have not seen or heard anything about any compromises from anywhere.
Who is it that is bringing Russia's and Ukraine's action around the table? And what did they say about what they came up with? See a summary in the clip.