Thread by @AFP

Ukraine-Russia military balance.

#AFPgraphics comparing defence spending, troops and major hardware, based on data from the International Institute for Strategic Studies

French President Emmanuel Macron heads to Kyiv after offering Russia "concrete security guarantees" in an effort to dissuade Moscow from invading its neighbour Ukraine

u.afp.com/wYek

VIDEO: NATO trains for winter combat on Russia's doorstep.

In an icy landscape of birches and pines on NATO's eastern border, this year's regular military exercises by the alliance have come at a time of spiralling tensions between Russia and the West

#BREAKING Macron says obtained from Putin no 'escalation' on Ukraine

#UPDATE French President Emmanuel Macron says he has managed to convince Russian President Vladimir Putin not to "escalate" the crisis around Ukraine, as the West warns Moscow could be planning an invasion

#UPDATE French President Emmanuel Macron said he offered his Russian counterpart "concrete security guarantees" as the West scrambles to deal with Russia's massive troop build-up on Ukraine's border
u.afp.com/wY82

#BREAKING Ukraine president says expects summit with Russian, French, German leaders 'in the near future'

#BREAKING French President Macron says there are 'concrete, practical solutions' to end Russia-West tensions

#UPDATE French President Emmanuel #Macron said on Tuesday he saw a path towards easing tensions with #Russia over the festering conflict in the east of #Ukraine, after conducting an urgent round of shuttle diplomacy between Moscow and Kyiv u.afp.com/wY29