Ukraine Secures Import of US LNG via Greece Amid Ongoing Conflict

Mon Nov 17 2025 17:03:59 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announces a significant deal to import liquefied natural gas from the United States via Greece, aimed at combating an impending energy crisis caused by Russian attacks.

In a critical move to bolster Ukraine's energy security, President Volodymyr Zelensky has finalized a deal to begin importing US liquefied natural gas (LNG) through Greece this winter. The agreement follows a meeting with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, as Ukraine seeks alternatives to Russian gas amidst ongoing hostilities. The European Commission is also working towards banning Russian gas imports by 2027. This new LNG supply is expected to address potential energy shortages exacerbated by Russian aggression.

Vital supplies of US liquefied natural gas are due to start flowing into war-ravaged Ukraine this winter via a pipeline across the Balkans.

The deal was announced after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Athens on Sunday. Greece is working to increase the flow of American LNG to its terminals to replace Russian gas in the region, Mitsotakis said recently.

The European Commission plans to ban all imports of Russian gas to EU member states by the end of 2027, arguing revenue from such sales funds Russia's war in Ukraine.

Zelensky is currently in France, where he and President Emmanuel Macron signed a letter of intent to buy up to 100 Rafale jets.

Speaking earlier in Athens, Zelensky was quoted as saying that deliveries of US LNG would begin in January. He highlighted the need for imports to compensate for the destruction caused by Russian forces, emphasizing that rebuilding efforts require significant resources.

Greece is becoming an energy security provider for your homeland, Mitsotakis told Zelensky.

Zelensky noted that Kyiv had allocated funds for gas imports from European partners and banks under European Commission guarantees, as well as from Ukrainian banks, totaling nearly €2bn ($2.3bn), to support imports through to March.

Since 2015, Ukraine has been receiving gas supplies from various EU states after halting direct purchases from Russia.

There are escalating concerns regarding potential energy shortages in Ukraine this winter with numerous Russian attacks targeting critical infrastructure, especially thermal power plants. The UN has warned that the approaching winter poses new risks for Ukrainians as energy infrastructure damage could hinder heating efforts in homes and public spaces.