Europe scrambles to help Ukraine keep the heat and lights on

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — European countries are scrambling to help Ukraine stay warm and keep functioning through the bitter winter months. The countries pledged Friday to send more support that will mitigate the Russian military’s efforts to turn off the heat and lights. Nine months after Russia invaded its neighbor, the Kremlin’s forces have zeroed in on Ukraine’s power grid and other critical civilian infrastructure in a bid to tighten the screw on Kyiv. Officials estimate that around 50 percent of Ukraine’s energy facilities have been damaged in the recent strikes. France’s foreign minister said Friday that her country is sending 100 high-powered generators to Ukraine. She said Russia is “weaponizing” winter and plunging Ukraine’s civilian population into hardship.