Ukraine to Import US Liquefied Natural Gas via Greece
Ukraine is scheduled to begin importing liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the United States this winter. This development follows an agreement announced after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Athens. The imported gas will be delivered through a pipeline network spanning the Balkans.
Greece's Role in Regional Energy Supply
Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis has stated that Greece is increasing the capacity of its LNG terminals to accommodate more American LNG. This initiative is aimed at replacing Russian gas supplies within the region. The European Commission has outlined plans to ban all imports of Russian gas by EU member states by the end of 2027, attributing revenue from these sales as a funding source for Russia's military operations in Ukraine.
Ukraine's Energy Requirements
President Zelensky indicated that US LNG deliveries are expected to commence in January. He specified that these imports are necessary to compensate for the destruction of Ukraine's domestic gas production facilities. Mr. Mitsotakis has positioned Greece as an energy security provider for Ukraine. Kyiv has allocated approximately €2 billion for gas imports from European partners and banks, supported by European Commission guarantees and Ukrainian banks, to cover its energy needs through March. Ukraine ceased direct purchases of Russian gas in 2015, subsequently receiving supplies from various EU states. The Soviet-era Trans-Balkan pipeline connects Ukraine to Greek LNG terminals, transiting through Moldova, Romania, and Bulgaria.
Humanitarian Concerns and Related Developments
Concerns have been expressed regarding a potential energy crisis in Ukraine this winter, following damage to its energy infrastructure, particularly thermal power plants. The UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs has issued a formal warning, noting that the approaching winter and continued attacks on energy networks pose risks to maintaining heating in homes, schools, and health centers.
In a separate development, President Zelensky was also in France, where he and President Emmanuel Macron signed a letter of intent regarding the potential acquisition of up to 100 Rafale jets.