UK to bolster NATO defence after Poland shoots down Putin's drones

BRITISH forces are being primed to bolster Europe's defences after Russia's drone onslaught pushed the continent to the brink of conflict.

- By Martyn Brown Political Editor

Defence Secretary John Healey said UK troops could help beef up NATO's air defence over Poland following Vladimir Putin's "reckless" attacks. He insisted European nations will "stand firm".

Mr Healey's stark warning came after Kremlin drones flew into Polish airspace in a brazen act of aggression, forcing NATO fighter jets to shoot them down and trigger the alliance's Article 4 - one below the threshold for war.

Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk said the military clash leaves the NATO member country the "closest to open conflict since World War Two".

Matthew Whitaker, Washington's ambassador to the alliance, said the US would defend "every inch of NATO territory".

The White House said Donald Trump was following the reports coming out of Poland and planned to speak to its president Karol Nawrocki last night.

Posting online about the drone incursion, Mr Trump said: "What's with Russia violating Poland's airspace with drones. Here we go!" The UK already has around 300 armed forces personnel in Poland.