In a dramatic escalation of tensions, French President Emmanuel Macron has issued a stark warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin, emphasizing the urgent need for peace negotiations to end the ongoing violence in Ukraine. Speaking at a crucial summit with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump, Macron underscored that the situation is dire, and the time for action is now.

During the meeting, Macron articulated a collective commitment among Western leaders to halt the bloodshed, calling for immediate ceasefire efforts and a robust framework for security guarantees to protect Ukraine from future aggression. “We want to stop the killings as quickly as possible,” he declared, highlighting the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Ukraine as Russian forces continue their assaults on civilians.

Macron’s message is clear: any peace agreement must include ironclad security guarantees to prevent a repeat of past failures, such as the 2014 annexation of Crimea. “There can be no peace without security for Ukraine,” he asserted, as he pledged to work closely with the United States and other allies to bolster Ukraine’s military capabilities.

The urgency of the situation was palpable, as Macron revealed plans for a bilateral meeting between Zelensky and Putin, followed by a trilateral discussion involving Trump. He stressed that all parties must recognize the gravity of the crisis, with European leaders pressing for immediate action to pressure Putin into compliance.

With the specter of escalating violence looming, Macron warned that failure to secure a ceasefire could lead to severe consequences, underscoring the need for unity among Western nations. “We must increase pressure on Russia to ensure they seek peace,” he urged, as the world watches closely for any signs of progress in negotiations.

As the clock ticks, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The future of Ukraine—and the stability of Europe—hangs in the balance.