French President Emmanuel Macron has revealed that the coming days will be crucial to de-escalating the Ukraine standoff

The statement by the President of France comes after an intense meeting with Russia’s Vladimir Putin.

Russia’s Putin hinted that progress had been made during his first Moscow summit with a Western leader since Russian troops massed on Ukraine’s borders.

Russia has denied any plans to invade Ukraine

Western powers however have become increasingly concerned by the possibility of an escalating conflict.

Officials in the United States stated on Sunday that Moscow has assembled 70% of military forces needed for a full-scale invasion.

U.S President Joe Biden threatened to shut down a key Russian gas pipeline to Germany on Monday, if Moscow invades Ukraine following a meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Washington.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has also indicated his support for sanctions.

Western countries have already rejected a number of Moscow’s demands, including that the Nato defence alliance rule out Ukraine becoming a member, and that it reduce its military presence in eastern Europe.