The new head of the Army has said British troops must prepare “to fight in Europe once again” as the conflict in Ukraine continues, PA MEDIA reported.

General Sir Patrick Sanders took over from General Sir Mark Carleton Smith on Monday, and wrote to his charges about the challenges they face.

“There is now a burning imperative to forge an Army capable of fighting alongside our allies and defeating Russia in battle,” Sir Patrick said.

“We are the generation that must prepare the Army to fight in Europe once again,” he added.

This comes after UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson returned from Ukraine with a warning that “we need to steel ourselves for a long war.”