Kyiv: In a significant development for Ukraine’s energy sector, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced on November 16, 2025, that the country has finalized an agreement with Greece to import natural gas. This move comes as Ukraine braces for the winter season amid ongoing disruptions to domestic gas production caused by sustained Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure. The deal is aimed at ensuring that the nation’s households and industries have sufficient energy supplies during the cold months.
According to Zelenskiy, the Ukrainian government is arranging nearly €2 billion (around US $2.3 billion) in financing to support these imports. The funds, backed by European banks under guarantees from the European Commission, as well as partnerships with Ukrainian and U.S. financial institutions, underscore the scale of the challenge Ukraine faces in securing energy amidst war-time conditions. This financing is critical not just to purchase gas, but also to ensure smooth logistics, transit, and integration into Ukraine’s disrupted energy infrastructure.
The agreement with Greece expands Ukraine’s gas supply routes beyond traditional northern pipelines, reducing its reliance on vulnerable or Russian-controlled channels. President Zelenskiy described the deal as “another gas supply route to secure imports for the winter as much as possible.” By leveraging southern European energy hubs, Ukraine aims to diversify its supply and enhance resilience against ongoing attacks on its domestic facilities. The southern route via Greece, complemented by supply links through Poland and long-term contracts with Azerbaijan, positions Ukraine to mitigate risks associated with energy shortages.
Strategically, this deal carries broader geopolitical implications. For Greece, it reinforces its role as a critical energy transit hub in southeastern Europe. For Ukraine, it signals determination to integrate more closely with European energy networks and reduce exposure to Russian pressure. The €2 billion financing package also reflects the urgency of Ukraine’s winter energy needs and the scale of investment required to maintain stability in both residential and industrial sectors.
Despite the progress, challenges remain. The exact volume of gas to be imported has not been disclosed, leaving questions about how much it will offset domestic production shortfalls. Ukraine must also contend with war-related logistics issues, including pipeline security, storage capacity, and safe distribution. While financing arrangements are in place, the operational task of delivering and integrating this gas into the energy grid under ongoing conflict conditions is complex and fraught with risk.
Looking ahead, key aspects to monitor include the timing and volume of gas deliveries, the readiness of Ukrainian infrastructure to receive and distribute imported gas, and the effectiveness of the plan in safeguarding energy security during the winter. Additionally, the implementation of longer-term supply agreements, such as those via Poland and Azerbaijan, will be crucial in shaping Ukraine’s energy resilience in the years ahead.
In conclusion, Ukraine’s agreement with Greece marks a decisive step toward energy diversification and winter preparedness. While not a complete solution, it represents a proactive approach to mitigating the severe impact of ongoing conflict on the country’s energy security. The coming months will test Ukraine’s ability to translate contracts and financing into tangible energy supplies for its citizens, highlighting both the challenges and strategic determination of a nation under duress.