The Ukraine government says 18 people have
died of hypothermia in recent days as the country was hit by a
severe cold spell.

The Emergency Situations Ministry also said on its website
Monday that nearly 500 people sought medical help for frostbites
and hypothermia in just three days last week.

Temperatures in some regions plunged to -16C (3F) during the day
and -23C (-10F) during the night. Authorities have opened 1,500
shelters to provide food and heat.