'Anti-western' and pro-Russian figures are being given top diplomatic and Nato posts by Turkey, in what will be a major victory for Russian president Vladimir Putin, it is claimed.

Hundreds of Nato officials and diplomats have been purged by Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan since a failed coup in July, in a move branded illegal by the Council of Europe.

Concerns have been voiced that they are being replaced by 'ultra-nationalist' and 'anti-Western' officials after experienced staff were removed from their positions.

Around 100,000 state workers have been suspended or dismissed since July's uprising against Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (pictured)

It is estimated that 100,000 state personnel have been suspended or dismissed in Turkey, accused of supporting Fethullah Gulen, a cleric the government claims orchestrated the uprising on July 15, which claimed 240 lives.

Last week Nato's top military officer, General Curtis Scaparrotti, said that around 150 Turkish officers had been recalled or retired, putting a huge strain on his staff.

A number of those dismissed have written to General Scaparrotti voicing concerns about their replacements.

Nato's top military officer, General Curtis Scaparrotti, said that around 150 Turkish officers had been recalled or retired, putting a huge strain on his staff

One leaked email, The Times reports, said: 'I and my Turkish colleagues observe a considerable rise of ultra-nationalist, anti-western sentiments within our military and throughout our state departments.

'It is very worrying to witness that some of the newcomers from Turkey to Nato have a radical mindset, some question the values of Nato and even hate western organisations while holding pro-Russia-China-Iran sentiments.'

Among those reportedly replaced are two senior officers in the Turkish defence attache's office in London.

It would be a huge boost to Russian president Putin at a time of heightened tension with Nato, at a time when Russia is beefing up its military presence on Europe's borders.

It would also reduce the effectiveness of Nato, which depends on agreements between its 28 members.

Last month Erdogan described Turkish staff linked to the failed July 15 coup against his regime as 'terrorists'.

Government supporters pictured carrying an effigy of cleric Fethullah Gulen following the failed coup

Thousands of public servants in Turkey have been suspended over alleged support for cleric Fethullah Gulen, who the government accuses of orchestrating the uprising

He called on countries not to grant purged Turkish Nato officers asylum, telling the Milliyet newspaper: 'How can a terrorist, a terrorist soldier, a soldier who has been involved in plotting a coup, be employed in NATO?'

And he said: 'Nato cannot entertain accepting asylum requests of this kind. Those in question are accused of terror.'

Law experts at the Council of Europe yesterday said the purge of state personnel breaks international law and Turkey's constitution.

July's failed coup saw 240 people lose their lives, and sparked a huge purge by President Erdogan

Many of the officials given roles in Nato are pro-Russia, it has been claimed, in what would be a major victory for Vladimir Putin

The group, known as the Venice Commission, ruled: 'Measures taken by the government went beyond what is permitted by the Turkish Constitution and by international law.'

General Scaparrotti has voiced concerns about the treatment of departed officers, but said he had been given assurances that they would be treated well.

He said: 'I had talented, capable people here, and I'm taking a degradation on my staff.'

Around half of the 300 Turkish Nato staff were removed from their posts, the military chief said, with around 75 of them replaced so far.

Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has revealed that some Turkish officers working at the alliance had applied for asylum in Europe

General Scaparrotti said he had no suspicion that any of the Turkish officers might have been involved in a coup plot.

Turkey has one of Nato's largest armies, and is a strategic bridge to the Middle East and Black Sea region.