Greece and Ukraine sign deal to transfer US LNG until March 2026 as Kyiv braces for tough winter – Firstpost

Greece and Ukraine signed a deal on Sunday to facilitate the transportation of US liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Ukraine, a move officials say will boost regional energy security as Kiev prepares for a tough winter.

The deal, signed in the presence of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou and US Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle, formalizes a declaration of intent between Greece’s DEPA Commerce and Ukraine’s Naftogaz. Under the plan, US LNG will be shipped through Greece via the vertical corridor from December 2025 to March 2026. Supplies are expected to begin in January.

Greek officials said the agreement would help maintain stable gas flows to Europe and provide “crucial support” to Ukraine.

At a joint press conference Mitsotakis said, “We stand with the Ukrainian people. Greece stood with the defender from the first moment against an attack that violates every principle of sovereignty and international law.” He affirmed that “the inviolability of borders cannot be compromised” and described Greece as Kiev’s “stable ally”. Mitsotakis also highlighted the construction of a “new secure energy artery from south to north” through the Vertical Corridor and promised Greek support for Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction.

Zelensky thanked Greece for its “continuous, solid and multifaceted support” and noted daily attacks on Ukraine’s critical infrastructure. He also praised Greece and the US for their role in energy agreements and urged continued pressure on Moscow, saying, “Russia deserves further sanctions, and we are very pleased with Greece supporting our initiative to return abducted children and prisoners of war.”

Zelensky arrived in Athens on Sunday for high-level meetings on energy cooperation and ongoing Greek aid. Mitsotakis was welcomed by President of the Hellenic Republic Konstantinos Tassoulas before meeting him at the Maximos Mansion for the signing ceremony.