VLADIMIR Putin is expanding dozens of bases along Russia’s borders with Nato countries, satellite images reveal.

The images, released by Denmark’s national broadcaster in cooperation with intelligence services, shows a flurry of construction work in the past two years, including new barracks, warehouses, and vehicles.

Russian President Vladimir Putin in a suit and tie, seated at a table.Russia’s President Vladimir Putin is expanding dozens of bases along Russia’s borders with Nato countries, satellite images reveal Credit: EPA Satellite image of the Luga military base in Russia, showing several large buildings, infrastructure, and an adjacent highway.Russian military build-up at Pechenga, which is next to Norway’s border

One Arctic compound, Pechenga, is just five miles from the Norwegian border.

And spooks say Russia’s Murmansk area, near and Norway, could now house 17,000 extra soldiers in striking range of neighbours.

Another site near the Estonian border has amassed large numbers of military vehicles.

“Nevertheless that possibility can’t be excluded as Putin is a master of the unexpected. What is most concerning is that neither the UK nor our European allies are ready.

Satellite image showing the expansion of a Russian military base in Pechenga with new barracks and facilities.The images, released by Denmark’s national broadcaster in cooperation with intelligence services, show a flurry of construction work in the past two years Britain's Secretary of State for Defence John Healey carries a red binder.Outgoing defence chief John Healey warned intelligence suggests Russia could be capable of attacking NATO as soon as 2030 Credit: EPA

“ said our intelligence assessed that

“And his resignation shows that the Labour government will not put sufficient funds into defence to make us ready for that.

“The reality is that we should be ready now and always to face all threats that might come our way.

“It is shameful that neither this government nor its Conservative predecessors took defence seriously enough to protect our country.

“If our forces have to go into action without enough troops or equipment they will have blood on their hands.”

denied any plans to attack Nato.