Ukraine has shut schools, banned large public gatherings and imposed travel restrictions for three weeks - some of the most drastic measures taken across the globe to contain swine flu - after confirming that a sudden and swift outbreak has claimed at least 11 lives.

Campaigning for the presidential contest in January has also been postponed.

Observers said the far-reaching moves to combat the illness are partly rooted in the political rivalry between Victor Yushchenko, president, and Yulia Tymoshenko, his prime minister, with each trying to outdo the other in the handling of the outbreak.

Roman Olearchyk, KievReport: www.ft.com/europe