Ukraine closes schools to save gas as Russia keeps pipelines closed

Ukraine has told all schools and higher education institutions to close in an effort to save gas, after its Russian supplier refused to deliver more fuel.

Russian energy giant Gazprom - one of the world's largest natural gas suppliers - said it was unilaterally severing its contracts with Ukraine.

Gazprom made the announcement after a Stockholm court ruled against it at the end of a long-running legal battle.

Ukraine is also a major channel for gas piped to the European Union.

EU officials in Brussels voiced concern about the supply of gas to the bloc at a time of freezing weather across much of the continent.

Gazprom's refusal to deliver its fuel resulted in conservation measures across Ukraine, where heavy snowfall has caused travel chaos in Kiev and other cities.

The government has told power stations to switch to fuel oil generation where possible.

The energy ministry recommended that educational institutions close until next week at the earliest, though each area will make the decision itself.