Russian President Vladimir Putin says he is willing to make concessions and consider proposals put forward by French President Emmanuel Macron following some progress in the discussions.

The coming days will be critical in the Ukraine crisis, French President Emmanuel Macron said following the meeting while blaming the West for escalating tensions over Ukraine.

Putin claimed that the first Moscow summit he has conducted with a Western leader since the Kremlin began massing troops near its border was substantial. Still, he also repeated threats about the prospect of war if Ukraine joined NATO.

Macron is scheduled to arrive in Kyiv on Tuesday after providing Russia "concrete security guarantees" in an attempt to deter Moscow from invading neighboring Ukraine, with Russia's Putin vowing to find a way forward.

Macron's visit coincides with a week of intense Western diplomacy in response to Russia's significant military buildup on its southern boundary, fueled fears that Russia may soon march into Ukraine.

Russia, which is vying for dominance in post-Cold War Europe, seeks security guarantees, including a warranty that no missiles will be deployed near its borders and a reduction in NATO's military equipment.

Putin assured Macron that Moscow would "do everything to find compromises that suit everyone" to find a solution that would benefit everyone, enhancing the likelihood of de-escalating the hazardous situation.

Putin stated that various recommendations made by Macron during Monday's talks might serve as a basis for resolving the Ukraine situation.

"A number of his ideas, proposals... are possible as a basis for further steps," Putin said following more than five hours of talks in the Kremlin.

He gave no details but indicated that the two leaders would speak by phone following Macron's meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

The French president stated that he had approached Putin with suggestions for "concrete security guarantees."

"President Putin assured me of his readiness to engage in this sense and his desire to maintain stability and the territorial integrity of Ukraine," Macron said.

"There is no security for the Europeans if there is no security for Russia," he continued.

According to the French presidency, the suggestions include an agreement by both sides to refrain from further military action, the establishment of a new strategic dialogue, and efforts to resurrect the peace process in Kyiv's struggle with Moscow-backed rebels in eastern Ukraine.

Macron was the first senior Western leader to see Putin since the crisis began in December, as tensions between Moscow and Ukraine and its supporters grew.