NATO has scrambled Western warplanes after Russia launched a major missile and drone attack on Ukraine’s  energy infrastructure.

The defensive alliance deployed F-16 and F-35 multi-role fighters on NATO’s eastern flank in the wake of the Kremlin’s latest act of aggression.

Vladimir Putin’s strategic missile bombers blasted crucial energy facilities causing power cuts across the war-torn country.

The brutal onslaught came after Donald Trump once more insisted he was talking to the Russian leader and was seeking an end to the war.

He said: “I can’t tell you what I’m talking about, but we are talking as a group also. I think he’d like to make a deal, but it takes two to tango.”

Asked for specific details about what he discussed with Putin, the US president said: “I don’t want to talk about it. No, I don’t want to talk about it. It’s not going to help you to know, but we would like to get a deal done if possible.

“Only because, in my case, save lives, you know. We’re much further away.

“Remember, we have an ocean separating. They don’t. Europe should be paying what we’re paying, and Europe has done it more in the form of a loan than with us, we just give it. You know, [Joe] Biden gives it because he’s not a smart individual. He’s not a very smart individual.”

The sheer scale of the Russian bombing raid led NATO to send up F-16 and F-35 multi-role fighters on NATO’s eastern flank.

“Due to the attack of the Russian Federation, which is striking objects located on the territory of Ukraine, Polish and allied aviation has started operating in our airspace,” reported Warsaw’s Armed Forces Operational Command.

The operational commander “deployed all available forces and means. Duty pairs of fighters have been put into the air, and ground-based air defence and radar reconnaissance assets have been put on the highest alert.

“The measures taken are aimed at ensuring security in the territories bordering the threatened areas.

“The Armed Forces Operational Command is monitoring the current situation, and its subordinate forces and means remain fully prepared for an immediate response.”

Putin’s airforce used Tu-95MS strategic bombers to hit Ukraine with Kh-101 and Kh-55 missiles.

Russia also deployed sea-launched £5 million Kalibr missiles with an “unusual” trajectory flying close to the ground.

The blitzkrieg included Russian drones and aerial glide bombs.

Polish Military Radar monitoring channel reported “high activity of NATO aircraft near the Polish-Ukrainian border due to a missile attack.

“In the zone of operations there are certainly also our F-16 aircraft and very possibly F-16 USAF or F-35 Norwegian forces stationed in Krzesiny.”

One target was reported to be Mirhorod air base in Poltava region, home of Ukraine’s 831st tactical aviation brigade.

The Russian army attacked Naftogaz’s production facilities in the Poltava region, the company reported.

Ukraine’s energy minister Herman Halushchenko imposed emergency blackouts.

“At night, the enemy attacked the gas infrastructure,” he said.

“As of the morning, the energy system continues to remain on target.

“In order to minimise the possible consequences for the energy system, the operator of the transmission system urgently applies measures of emergency electricity restrictions.

“As soon as the security situation will be allowed, the consequences will be specified…..while the danger lasts, stay in shelters.”

In overnight strikes on Russia, drone attacks by Ukraine exploded a major oil refinery in Saratov, part of the Kremlin-linked Rosneft empire.

At least 11 explosions were heard at Engels in Saratov region, home of Russia’s strategic bombers.

Russian air defences were active.

The scale of any damage was not immediately clear.