Nato sends ships and fighter jets to eastern Europe amid Russia-Ukraine tensions

Nato secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg said in a statement: “Nato will continue to take all necessary measures to protect and defend all allies, including by reinforcing the eastern part of the alliance."

Nato secretary general Jens Stoltenberg (Olivier Matthys/AP)

Nato has said it is putting extra forces on standby and sending more ships and fighter jets to eastern Europe as Russia continues its troop build-up near Ukraine.

It said it is beefing up its “deterrence” presence in the Baltic Sea area.