Vladimir Putin’s defence minister has compared the British army to Nazi Germany, as relations between Russia and the West continued to deteriorate.

Sergei Shoigu claimed British troops had started to use Russian-made tanks and Russian military uniforms in training exercises to designate the enemy.

The general also dubbed Nato exercises “anti-Russian” and said the military alliance had doubled the intensity of its training drills, reports AFP.

"The last time this training method was used was by Nazi Germany during the Second World War," he said.

“None of the exercises held by foreign states has passed unnoticed.”

His comments were made during a meeting of senior officials at the Russian defence ministry.

An army spokesman told AFP that claims British forces had used Russian-made tanks and Russian uniforms were “not true”.

Russia: No country will have military superiority over Russia - Sergei Shoigu

“The British Army uses a number of generic ‘enemy’ forces in order to train for potential circumstances,” the spokesman added.

“They are only, ever, specific during a mission rehearsal exercise such as those for recent Afghan and Iraqi campaigns.”

'A new phase in the arms race is unfolding' says Putin Show all 2 1 /2 'A new phase in the arms race is unfolding' says Putin 'A new phase in the arms race is unfolding' says Putin ussian President Vladimir Putin speaks during the State Council session. EPA 'A new phase in the arms race is unfolding' says Putin Independent Graphics

Tensions between Mr Putin and the West have been rising ever since Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea, in the worst deterioration of relations since the Cold War.

Russia has revealed plans for major military expansion in 2017, with its army expected to receive an extra 900 tanks.