Russian leader Vladimir Putin today announced plans to station missiles and nuclear-capable bombers in Crimea as the country continues to ‘coerce’ its neighbours.

Putin is to keep first-strike missiles in the Baltic state amid tensions with the West as Russia boasts its resurgent military power.

Russian military exercises this week range from the Arctic to the Pacific Ocean and involve tens of thousands of troops, the Defence Ministry said.

It was also revealed Iskander missiles will be sent to Russia’s Kaliningrad region bordering Nato members Poland and Lithuania as part of the manoeuvres.