Weather could impact war

SHELLING by Russian forces struck several areas in eastern and southern Ukraine overnight as utility crews continued efforts to restore power, water and heating following widespread strikes in recent weeks, officials said on Sunday.

With persistent snow blanketing the capital, Kyiv, analysts predict that wintry weather - bringing with it frozen terrain and gruelling fighting conditions - could have an increasing impact on the direction of the conflict that has raged since Russian forces invaded Ukraine more than nine months ago.

But, for now, both sides are being bogged down by heavy rain and muddy battlefield conditions, experts said.