UK to deploy a 'small number' of troops to Lithuania amid migrant crisis

The UK is sending a "small number" of troops to Lithuania to help with the migrant crisis on its border with Belarus, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) has announced.

In a tweet, the MOD said: "In the spirit of solidarity, the UK will send a small number of military personnel to support Lithuania with intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.

"This deployment will help enhance Lithuania's ability to address pressures along its border with Belarus."

• Russia's a credible force set to do something imminently, defence minister warns
• Russian invasion of Ukraine 'highly likely', Defence Secretary says
• Ukraine crisis at 'critical juncture' as PM joins efforts to bring Russia 'back from the brink'

Watch: Where will UK forces be sent to strengthen Eastern European security amid Russia tensions?

In an attached photograph, a quote from Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: "The UK and Lithuania have shared concerns about Russia's military build-up on Ukraine's border and the unfolding migrant crisis on Lithuania's border with Belarus.

"I have now directed the bilateral deployment of a small number of military personnel to address these border issues."

It comes after Armed Forces Minister James Heappey said a Russian invasion of Ukraine could happen at any moment and, on 13 February, Mr Wallace compared diplomatic efforts to prevent a Russian invasion of Ukraine to appeasement.

The Defence Secretary also said there was a "whiff of Munich in the air" – an apparent reference to the agreement that allowed German annexation of the Sudetenland in 1938 but failed to prevent the Second World War.

Russia has repeatedly denied it is planning to invade Ukraine.