In pictures: European freeze

The icy weather that has gripped Moscow for the past week is retreating, although temperatures are still -14C.

However there is some relief after depths of below -35C, and charities have been providing food for the homeless.

But the cold weather is still life-threatening in eastern Europe. In Ukraine, about 80 people have died in the past week.

Ukraine is still waiting to sign a controversial gas deal with Russia that has caused political turmoil and supply problems.

In Sevastopol, Crimea, temperatures hit -20C. The cold has led to the Ukraine using record levels of power to cope.

Poland has also suffered deaths due to the low temperatures. Here a workman checks hot water supplies.

The cold weather is being felt down to Greece and Turkey - where snow has caused major travel disruption.