Vladimir Putin could target four European countries with a military invasion once he is done in Ukraine, an expert has told the Daily Express.

Putin’s troops have been carrying out their illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine since February 2022.

But the Russian President has suggested on a number of occasions he has the ambition of restoring a Russian empire, meaning other European nations could be next on his hitlist.

Nicholas Drummond, a defence and security expert, told the Daily Express that the Baltic nations, Moldova, and even some territories in Africa could be targeted by Russian forces.

However, he believes this will not happen in the short term as Russia piles its resources into Ukraine.

He said: “Putin is a dangerous guy, a very dangerous guy and he wants Russia to be a superpower again.

“I don’t think he will go for the Baltic states, but he could do. There are NATO troops in the Baltics so that would immediately spark an Article 5 event. This would dramatically escalate things.

“Moldova, he might try something there. He may also decide to do something in Africa, seizing territory there or something like that.”

Moldovan politicians have expressed fears in recent years that Russia could try and seize control of Transnistria – a breakaway state internationally recognised as part of Moldova where the government has previously requested annexation by Russia.

However, in March, Moldovan Foreign Minister Mihail Popșoi said Russia is now not likely to attack “thanks to the sacrifice of the brave Ukrainian people and the Ukrainian army.”

But, he added: “We are safe, although safe could be a strong word given the frontlines are just 200 kilometers away.”

Meanwhile, the Baltic states urged their NATO allies earlier this year to “wake up” to the threat of future invasions.

Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are teaching their citizens how to fight amid fears of a Russian attack.

One soldier called Major Kapper sent a warning to the Russians while talking to Sky News: “It will be a bloody mess if you come here. We will definitely kill as many of you as possible.”

Asked what he would tell other NATO allies, he said: “To wake up. It won’t stop in Ukraine. If we don’t stop them, then they will come further and further.”