The focus of the Mitsotakis - Zelensky meeting at the Maximos Mansion was the strengthening of Ukraine's energy security and the deepening of the strategic cooperation between Greece and Ukraine.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis reiterated the long-standing Greek position for an immediate and unconditional cessation of hostilities as a first step towards a process that could lead to a sustainable and lasting peace. He also confirmed the firm Greek support for Ukraine and its European path, underlining that enlargement is an intergovernmental process based exclusively on the performance of the candidate states.

The central point of the meeting was the energy cooperation between the two countries.

The Prime Minister highlighted Greece's upgraded role in European and regional energy security, noting the recent agreements for the supply and transport of American LNG through the Vertical Corridor, as well as the new agreement signed today between DEPA and Naftogaz to strengthen Ukraine's energy shield.

The discussion also included Greece-Ukraine defense cooperation, with an emphasis on autonomous systems and possible cooperation in the field of maritime drones, where Ukraine has particular know-how and the subject is of strategic importance for Greece.

Joint statement by Mitsotakis and Zelensky

On November 16, 2025, at the invitation of the Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky paid an official visit to Greece.

The visit highlighted the strong and enduring partnership between Greece and Ukraine, which is based on the long-standing historical ties between the peoples of Ukraine and Greece, as well as on the shared values of democracy, human rights, respect for sovereignty, the international order and international law, as well as on the common belief that state borders cannot be changed by force.

During the visit, President Volodymyr Zelensky and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis discussed ways to strengthen cooperation aimed at restoring a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine, as well as ensuring stability and security in the Mediterranean and Black Sea, in Southeastern Europe and in the broader Euro-Atlantic region.

The two sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to countering the armed Russian aggression and overcoming other ongoing challenges to regional stability and territorial integrity, including territorial waters, as well as to developing bilateral relations in the areas of security, defense, economy, protection of critical infrastructure and humanitarian assistance.

The parties agreed on the following:

1. 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.

2. The Parties stress the importance of providing Ukraine with reliable 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 support Ukraine in its irreversible path towards full Euro-Atlantic integration, including its future accession to the European Union. In this context, the Parties will strengthen cooperation in the defence industry, including joint projects.

3. The Parties underline the importance of energy security and natural gas supply and agreed to strengthen cooperation on the diversification of energy sources, the development of renewable energy 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.

4. 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), in conducting joint exercises and training related to unmanned maritime systems, as well as in enhanced information exchange on maritime threats.

5. Both sides recognized the importance of cybersecurity and agreed to develop joint initiatives to strengthen the protection of critical infrastructure and counter cyberattacks and hybrid threats targeting both nations.

6. The parties expressed their shared commitment to support international efforts to ensure the return of Ukrainian children illegally abducted by the Russian Federation, as well as to hold those responsible accountable in accordance with international law.

7. The parties stressed the need to maintain multi-layered pressure on the Russian Federation until it fully withdraws from Ukrainian territory, complies with international law and is held accountable for the violations it has committed; and agreed to coordinate, where appropriate, sanctions policy to enhance its effectiveness.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed his deep respect for the strength of the Ukrainian people and his appreciation for the partnership between Greece and Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Mitsotakis and Greece for their consistent support for Ukraine's sovereignty and for their continued humanitarian, political and defense assistance.

DEPA Trading - Naftogaz Agreement for Natural Gas Supply to Ukraine in Winter 2025–2026

Supporting Ukraine with the energy agreement

The Prime Minister sent a clear message of condemnation for the intensity of Russian attacks on civilian infrastructure, with civilian casualties, in his first statements after the meeting with President Zelensky.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis stressed that Greece has stood by Ukraine's side from the very beginning against the Russian invasion, describing it as a bloody operation that violates international law and the UN Charter.

He reiterated that for Greece the inviolability of borders is non-negotiable, linking this position to the experience of Cyprus, a wound that has remained open for 51 years.

He stressed that Athens supports the unconditional cessation of hostilities and the creation of conditions for a just peace, stating that the country actively participates in supporting Ukraine in European institutions, the Security Council and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.

He made particular reference to the strategic relationship between the two countries through the new energy axis being formed from Greece to Ukraine, through the Vertical Energy Corridor under construction and the Alexandroupolis - Odessa connection.

As he noted, Ukraine is gaining access to diversified energy sources, while Greece is emerging as a supply hub for Central and Eastern Europe with American liquefied natural gas.

The declaration of intent for the sale of natural gas signed by DEPA and the Ukrainian company Naftogaz to cover Ukraine's immediate winter needs was also included in the same context.

He emphasized that this agreement is an implementation of recent energy commitments for the transport of American natural gas, signaling the immediate activation of the Vertical Corridor.

At the same time, he referred to the agreement between GEK TERNA and the company Ucranico Energy for a pumped storage project that will enhance the stability of the Ukrainian network. Greece is becoming a provider of energy security for your homeland, he noted, emphasizing that these initiatives accelerate Europe's definitive de-dependence on Russian natural gas.

In his statements, he also referred to the prospects for further support for Ukraine, including post-war reconstruction. He stressed that Greek companies have the know-how to contribute to the construction sector, the digitalization of healthcare and the protection of cultural monuments, underlining Greece's special interest in Odessa and the historical ties between the two peoples.

In closing, the Prime Minister referred to the long resistance of the Ukrainians : The women and men of Ukraine are fighting bravely for their freedom, inspiring every democratic citizen in Europe. He confirmed the excellent level of cooperation between the two countries and Greece's commitment to a political, economic and energy integration.

Zelensky: We thank Greece

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced in a post that during his meeting with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis a Letter of Intent was signed for the supply of natural gas to Ukraine this winter.

As he mentioned, Greece has been by Ukraine's side since the first days of the Russian invasion and is participating in the collective effort with Europe and other partners to create conditions that will allow peace to be achieved.

Zelensky stressed that most of Ukraine's power plants, gas extraction facilities and thermal power plants have become targets of Russian missiles and drones.

According to him, the agreement with Greece is a crucial part of a broader energy package that has been prepared for the winter, aiming to ensure natural gas sufficiency.

Deliveries are expected to begin in January, while in addition to immediate support, long-term arrangements are also envisaged.

I thank Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the team, the companies, everyone who contributes to such agreements existing and being implemented. Thank you, Greece, Zelensky said in his post.

Zelensky described this year as a great challenge for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people, referring to the ongoing Russian attacks with drones, missiles and daily strikes.

In his message after his meeting with the President of the Hellenic Republic, Konstantinos Tasoulas, he noted that in recent months Kiev and Athens have worked systematically towards a bilateral agreement that strengthens Ukraine's energy security and leads, as he said, to a good result.

During the meeting, he said, energy cooperation was discussed, focusing on the agreement between Ukraine and Greece on the supply of natural gas, which, according to Zelensky, will help the country meet its winter needs.

At the same time, reference was made to the promotion of joint projects, diplomatic efforts, the need to strengthen sanctions against Russia and the utilization of frozen Russian assets.

The participation of the Greek business community in the reconstruction of Ukraine was also discussed, as well as joint initiatives for the return of children from Ukraine who have been abducted by Russia.

Zelensky stressed that Greece has supported Ukraine throughout the Russian full-scale invasion and expressed gratitude for this steadfast support.