Greece and Ukraine Sign Vital LNG Deal Amid Ongoing Conflict

On November 16, Greece signed a significant deal to supply liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Ukraine, bolstering the war-stricken country's energy infrastructure, which has been ravaged by Russian military strikes. The agreement, announced by Greece's national gas company DEPA Commercial and Ukraine's Naftogaz, will be effective from December 2025 until March 2026 and was finalized during a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Athens. This strategic agreement is viewed as a crucial step in enhancing regional energy cooperation and ensuring European energy security. As President Zelensky embarks on a tour across Europe to fortify Ukraine's defenses and energy supplies amidst another harsh winter, the deal symbolizes a strengthening alliance between the two nations. In the ongoing conflict, Ukrainian forces are under relentless pressure from Russian troops, leading to mutual attacks on energy facilities and infrastructure. The impact of these strikes has left Ukraine's energy systems vulnerable as they enter another grueling winter, with the conflict showing no signs of abating. During the signing ceremony, which was attended by U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle, both Mitsotakis and Zelensky emphasized the importance of this agreement for supporting Ukraine during a challenging winter. "Relations between our countries are taking on a crucial new dimension: that of a new secure energy artery stretching from south to north, from Greece to Ukraine," Mitsotakis remarked, reaffirming the importance of achieving energy independence from Russian sources. As Europe looks to reduce its reliance on Russian gas, the desire for energy independence has intensified. Recently, most European Union nations agreed to ban imports of Russian natural gas by the end of 2027, a move aimed at disrupting funding for Russia's ongoing military action. In addition to the LNG deal, Mitsotakis also pledged support for Ukraine's post-war reconstruction and emphasized enhanced defense cooperation. The two leaders agreed on strategies to improve maritime security, collaborate on unmanned maritime systems, conduct joint military exercises, and bolster information sharing to address maritime threats. President Zelensky, expressing gratitude towards U.S. President Donald Trump for facilitating the natural gas supply agreement, highlighted the importance of securing energy sources as Ukraine faces ongoing bombardments, particularly targeting its power plants and gas production facilities. Zelensky's visit to Greece, marking his first since 2023, coincided with announcements of major energy projects in Greece backed by American support. Prime Minister Mitsotakis previously stated that Greece serves as a natural conduit for American liquefied natural gas, positioned to replace Russian gas in the region. The recent activation of the Trans-Adriatic pipeline, which connects Greece to Bulgaria, has further allowed Greece to contribute to a gas supply corridor reaching Romania, Moldova, Ukraine, Hungary, and Slovakia. Additionally, the establishment of LNG storage facilities at the port of Alexandroupolis, located near the Greek-Turkish border, has been instrumental in reducing Russia's market influence in the area. As the deal paves the way for increased cooperation between Greece and Ukraine, it marks a pivotal moment in the efforts to enhance energy security in Europe amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2