Nato is getting ready to fight back against Russian aggression as it poses a ‘real and present danger’ to the Baltic States, Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said yesterday. He told of the threat to Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia as Vladimir Putin continues to ‘test us’ by deploying submarines and warplanes near British territory. Warning of a new Cold War, he also said the UK must renew Britain’s nuclear capabilities as Russia steps up its own defences – but denied suggestions of an arms race. Scroll down for video Visit: Defence secretary Michael Fallon (left) was speaking from Sierra Leone, where he was congratulating British troops on their work at defeating Ebola
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Defence Secretary Michael Fallon tells of threat to Latvia and Lithuania
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Mr Putin is as great a threat to Europe as Islamic State, says Mr Fallon
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Warns he continues to 'test us' with submarines near British territory
In response to the fears, the UK will send troops to eight different sites across Eastern Europe and is creating a @placeholder ‘spearhead’ force lead by 1,000 British troops, ready to be deployed within 48 hours.