Ukraine secured imports of American LNG from Greece for the period December 2025 – March 2026, in the context of President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to Athens.

The agreement, signed by DEPA and Naftogaz , provides for the transport of natural gas through the pipeline crossing the Balkans, following the extensive Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure.

The two sides said the agreement would begin in December, while the Ukrainian president said deliveries would begin in January.

Zelenskyy stressed that the attacks have hit power plants, mining facilities and thermal power plants, underlining the need for immediate imports: The Russians are destroying, we are rebuilding, but this requires time, effort and equipment. As for natural gas, imports are needed to cover the loss of our own production.

He recalled that Kiev has committed funds with European guarantees and financing from American and Ukrainian institutions to cover the almost 2 billion euro cost.

The US LNG deal is part of the new supply architecture that Greece is shaping in the region. Athens has already agreed on the first long-term supply of US LNG to Europe for after 2030, while the recent EU decision to phase out Russian LNG from 2027 strengthens the country's role as a regional hub.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis , welcoming the Ukrainian president at the Maximos Mansion, described Greece as an energy security provider for Ukraine, noting that the new agreement contributes to Europe's independence from Russian natural gas.

He reiterated that Greece has supported Ukraine from the very beginning against the Russian invasion, calling it a bloody operation that violates international law and the UN Charter.

He also stressed that the inviolability of borders is non-negotiable for Greece, linking this specific position to the experience of Cyprus.

The energy dimension of cooperation dominated the meeting between the two leaders. The operation of the currently under development Vertical Energy Corridor and the Alexandroupolis-Odessa connection were discussed, with the aim of forming a stable axis that will allow Ukraine access to diversified energy sources.

The energy package also includes projects promoted by Greek and Ukrainian companies, such as the collaboration between GEK TERNA and Ucranico Energy.

Defense and security were high on the agenda of the visit. The joint statement signed by the two sides provides for strengthening military cooperation, with an emphasis on maritime security and unmanned maritime systems, where Ukraine has particular expertise.

It was also agreed to strengthen cooperation in cybersecurity and exchange information on hybrid threats.

The 7 points of the joint statement

• The Parties underline the urgent need to achieve a complete and unconditional ceasefire as a first step towards the launch of a genuine peace process, which will ensure a comprehensive, just and lasting peace, in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter.
• The Parties stress the importance of providing Ukraine with credible and strong security guarantees – which will effectively prevent any recurrence of armed aggression – through the strengthening of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Greece reaffirms its commitment to supporting Ukraine on its irreversible path towards full Euro-Atlantic integration, including its future membership in the European Union. In this context, the parties will strengthen cooperation in the defense industry, including joint projects.
• The parties underline the importance of energy security and gas supply and agreed to strengthen cooperation on the diversification of energy sources, the development of renewable energy sources and the restoration of Ukraine's energy infrastructure damaged by Russian attacks. Greece expressed its readiness to contribute with expertise and resources to strengthening Ukraine’s energy resilience.
• The parties agreed to deepen defense cooperation with a focus on enhancing security in the maritime sector, including cooperation in the development and use of maritime unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), conducting joint exercises and training related to unmanned maritime systems, as well as enhanced information exchange on maritime threats.
• Both sides recognized the importance of cybersecurity and agreed to develop joint initiatives to enhance the protection of critical infrastructure and counter cyberattacks and hybrid threats targeting both nations.
• The parties expressed their shared commitment to support international efforts to ensure the return of children of Ukraine who have been illegally abducted by the Russian Federation, as well as for holding those responsible accountable in accordance with international law.
• The parties stressed the need to maintain multi-level pressure on the Russian Federation until it fully withdraws from Ukrainian territory, complies with international law and is accountable for the violations it has committed; and agreed to coordinate, where appropriate, the sanctions policy to enhance its effectiveness.

Zelensky publicly thanked Greece, noting that the country has supported Ukraine throughout the Russian full-scale invasion: I thank the Prime Minister, the team, the companies and everyone who contributes to the implementation of such agreements. Thank you, Greece.

He also referred to the meeting with the President of the Republic Constantinos Tasoulas, during which bilateral energy agreements, sanctions, the utilization of frozen Russian assets and the participation of the Greek business community in the reconstruction of the country were discussed.

The Ukrainian president described this winter as a great challenge for his country, citing daily Russian attacks with drones and missiles.

He stressed that the energy package being implemented with the contribution of Greece is crucial for the stability of the Ukrainian system and meeting the needs of citizens in the coming months.