BRUSSELS, Nov. 26 - A shortage of coal, rather than gas, is likely to plunge Ukraine into freezing darkness this winter as conflict in its east seals off supplies that used to make it self sufficient, Reuters reported.

Kiev has said any hopes it had of Russian coal coming to the rescue were dashed when Moscow suspended exports.

Ukraine has declared a state of emergency in its electricity market and blackouts are imminent unless it can import coal, analysts and industry officials say.