British troops are to be deployed to the Baltics as part of a long-term Nato mission to deter Russian aggression.
Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said a "small number" of soldiers would be stationed there to "watch over our allies on the eastern borders".
RAF Typhoon fighters are already in the region as part of the Baltic Air Policing detachment and have been called into action in recent months.
The head of the Iraqi parliament's Security and Defence Committee has said Iraq is considering asking Russia to carry out air strikes against Islamic State on its soil.
Hakim al-Zamili told Reuters that depending on the Russians success in Syria they may be called in for help.
He said: "We might be forced to ask Russia to launch air strikes in Iraq soon.
"I think in the upcoming few days or weeks Iraq will be forced to ask Russia to launch air strikes and that depends on their success in Syria."
Incursions by Russian jets into Turkish airspace have prompted a stern response from Nato's most powerful ally.
Here's what you need to know about this latest development in the increasingly bloody, complicated and volatile conflict.
Russia urges world leaders to unite to fight terrorism in Syria amid criticism that air strikes have targetted rebel fighters and civilians.