Snowstorm kills eight in Ukraine and Moldova

BY A STAFF REPORTER: A winter storm hit central and southern Ukraine, killing at least five people in Ukraine and three in neighboring Moldova, cutting off power to hundreds of towns and villages and cutting off highways as snow and high winds pounded.

At least 19 people were injured in Ukraine and another 10 in Moldova. Forecasters said more bad weather is expected with snow and rain forecast across Ukraine on Tuesday.

Tens of thousands of troops are on the front lines of the 21-month war with Russia, with extreme weather expected to strike the power grid this winter amid fears moscow could launch air strikes.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said five people had died in the southern Odessa region.