NATO scrambled its warplanes early today in response to a fierce Russian bombardment of Ukraine close to its border with Poland.

The Russian strikes - hitting vital energy facilities in the coldest weeks of winter - were led by Vladimir Putin's Tu-22 and Tu-95 strategic bombers.

The onslaught was seen as instant revenge for Tuesday's Ukrainian aerial strikes on Russia, the heaviest of the almost three year war.

In particular, Putin was rattled by Ukraine's use of British Storm Shadow and American ATACMS missiles which hit key defence facilities including a chemical plant in Bryansk region.