US senators in Ukraine promise continued aid ahead of winter

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Two U.S. senators met with families in Ukraine's capital Thursday and promised continued humanitarian support for the war-torn country as winter nears.

Democrat Chris Coons of Delaware and Republican Rob Portman of Ohio emphasized their commitment to the people of Ukraine while visiting a distribution center in Kyiv and speaking to families bracing for a dark, cold season with inadequate heating and electricity.

Ukrainian authorities say Russian strikes on energy infrastructure have knocked out 40% of the country's energy system, cutting off power for tens of thousands of people. Although crews make repairs as quickly as possible, it's not certain they will be able to keep up with the damage.

“Russia has responded to Ukraine's success on the battlefield by once again attacking not on the battlefield, but attacking the civilians of Ukraine. Trying to turn off the lights, turn off the heat, turn off the water. It's cowardly. It's brutal,” Portman said at a news conference. “We cannot let this stand.”

Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February, the U.S. government has provided $1.5 billion in humanitarian assistance to millions of people in Ukraine and neighboring countries, according to the United States Agency for International Development.

Last month, the U.S. announced a $55 million, five-year investment in Ukraine’s heating infrastructure to support repairs and the maintenance of pipes and other equipment needed to heat homes, hospitals, schools and businesses.

Coons and Portman's trip came less than a week before the crucial U.S. midterm elections. Coons said the elections would not impact future support for Ukraine, whatever the outcome.

“I am confident that bipartisan robust American support for the fight of the Ukrainian people will continue...