We stand ready to defend Nato skies

Cooper hits out at 'reckless' Putin

- MIKEY SMITH

YVETTE Cooper issued a stern warning to Vladimir Putin yesterday, insisting that Britain will confront Russian jets that invade the airspace of Nato allies.

It comes after a string of incursions by Russian drones and planes, such as into Estonian and Polish airspace.

Speaking at an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council, the Foreign Secretary sent a message to Putin: "Your reckless actions risk a direct armed confrontation between Nato and Russia.

"Our alliance is defensive but be under no illusion, we stand ready to defend Nato's skies and territory.