About 8,000 British army troops will take part in exercises across Eastern Europe to combat Russian aggression in one of the largest deployments since the cold war, writes The Guardian.

Dozens of tanks will be deployed to countries ranging from Finland to North Macedonia this summer under plans that have been enhanced since Russia invaded Ukraine.

Joining them will be tens of thousands of troops from NATO and the Joint Expeditionary Force alliance, which includes Finland and Sweden.

The Ministry of Defence said the action had been long planned and had been enhanced in response to Russia’s invasion of its neighbour in late February.

Commander Field Army Lt Gen Ralph Wooddisse said: “The UK makes a significant contribution to the defence of Europe and the deterrence of Russian aggression”.