UK troops will be in front line of any attack by Putin on Nato allies

ELITE British troops will lead Europe's first line of defence if Vladimir Putin attacks a Nato ally.

- Michael Knowles

Thousands of soldiers will be on alert to deploy "within days" as the UK assumes command of Nato's Very High Readiness Joint Task Force from Monday.

It comes as Defence Secretary Grant Shapps declared: "The world is a more dangerous and contested place than it has been for decades".

He warned Russian leader Putin that if he attacks a Nato ally "UK troops are fully armed and prepared" to fight. Military chiefs are concerned Russia could launch another offensive if its forces defeat Ukraine in the biggest European war in nearly 80 years.

Mr Shapps told the Daily Express: "As the Ukraine conflict nears its second anniversary, it is more important than ever to stand with our allies. We cannot allow a dictator like Putin to win this war.

"Today Moscow has threatened Finland, one of Nato's newest members. As always, we will stand up against that threat.

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