US to Help Rebuild Ukraine Energy Infrastructure Amid Russian Bombing

Russian air attacks have left millions of Ukrainians without power and heat as winter approaches. So, the US has pledged to give Ukraine $53 million to repair its energy plants and equipment. The Biden Administration hopes allied nations will join the effort.

The pledge was announced during a Group of Seven nations meeting. That was on Tuesday.

“Equipment will be rapidly delivered … to help Ukrainians … through the winter,” the State Department said. The aid will include items needed to create energy.

For nearly two months, Russia has bombed Ukraine’s gas production and power plants. Kyiv is Ukraine's capital. Ukraine’s leaders call the attacks a war crime. They say Russia is trying to turn the cold into a weapon. Citizens' lives are in danger. They're struggling to survive. Ukrainian officials say the attacks have harmed nearly all of the nation’s power plants.

Ukrainian citizens have responded to the attacks with rage and defiance.

“You will not get us down,” Lesia Sazonenko told The Associated Press. “We will prevail.” A recent poll by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology found that 9 of 10 Ukrainians share her feelings.

During power outages, Sazonenko has walked down and up 17 flights of stairs in her high-rise to take her dog outside. She leaves flashlights, treats, and water for neighbors who are dealing with the lack of power.

Across the city, people are getting ready for a holiday with no lights. Kyiv's mayor said, “We cannot let Putin steal our Christmas.” 

Photo from Reuters.