East Ukrainians guard against mortar bombs and coming autumn chill

SPARTAK Ukraine (Reuters) - Waiting for a lull in fighting between Ukrainian troops and pro-Russian rebels, Nikolai Batyshchev ventures out with his chainsaw and wheelbarrow to collect firewood to fend off the damp autumn chill.

Left without natural gas or power due to fighting over nearby Donetsk airport, Batyshchev and his neighbours are guarding not only against mortar bombs that have pounded their village of Spartak, but also the approaching Ukrainian winter.