Britain readies for showdown with Putin as it stations troops throughout Eastern Europe
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| David Cameron will send more troops to the Russian border |
HUNDREDS of British troops are set to be scrambled to countries bordering Russia as a show of strength to Vladimir Putin.
The move comes amid continuing concerns from the Western alliance regarding the intentions of Vladimir Putin following Russia’s annexation of Crimea from Ukraine in 2014.
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| REUTERS-Polish soldiers prepare a military exhibition in front of the summit venue |
This will be a summit where you will see Britain assert itself as one of the most crucial elements in the Nato alliance
“Not only are we going to be steadfast in our support of Nato, but we are prepared to back that up with boots on the ground.”
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| GETTY-Cameron said at least 500 troops will be sent to Estonia |
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| EPA-One drone on show at the Poland summit |
“Actions speak louder than words and the UK is proud to be taking the lead role, deploying troops across Eastern Europe. It is yet another example of the UK leading in Nato.”
A lightning strike force of 3,000 troops will be placed on standby in the UK and Germany – ready to move with as little as five days notice should Putin attack.
Four RAF Typhoon fighters which had been due to end their service in the Baltic Air Policing Mission will now stay to continue with the vital defence role.
Britain will also take over the leadership of Nato’s Very High Readiness Joint Task Force from next year.
A Government source said: “There can be no backsliding on this issue.
“The PM is very clear that the two per cent commitment is absolutely crucial to Nato going forward.”
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| GETTY-Tensions have been rising since the conflict in Crimea |
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| REUTERS-Heavy arms was also shown off at the summit |
He said: “This has really changed our security environment. Nato has to respond.
“When the world is changing, we have to change.”
