Ukraine to import gas from Greece as Zelenskiy seeks €2 billion to cover winter energy needs – Firstpost

President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sunday that Ukraine would receive gas imports from Greece to meet its winter energy needs. Announcing the move on the Telegram messaging app, he confirmed that the two countries have drawn up an agreement that will serve as an additional supply route to secure imports during the cold months.

Zelensky said Ukraine has already arranged financing for its gas purchases and intends to secure about 2 billion euros to compensate for domestic production lost as a result of the Russian attacks. His statement came ahead of his planned visit to Greece on Sunday, ahead of a trip to France and Spain.

Kyiv seeks comprehensive winter energy aid

Russia has stepped up attacks on power generation sites, power transmission systems and gas production facilities during the fourth year of its war on Ukraine. Zelenskyy said Kiev had allocated funds for gas imports through European partners and banks operating under European Commission guarantees, as well as through Ukrainian banks. He also noted ongoing cooperation with United States partners to ensure full financing.

Ukraine is expanding its options for winter supplies through Polish partners, he said, where it is working with Azerbaijan and aiming to secure long-term contracts.

Ukraine launches sweeping energy reform amid embezzlement outrage

Zelensky on Saturday announced sweeping reforms at state-owned energy companies following a public backlash over a corruption scandal. Anti-corruption investigators said nearly $100 million had been embezzled from the region, sparking outrage in the country that is already suffering from severe power outages due to Russian attacks.

Zelensky ordered two ministers to step down in connection with the scheme and imposed sanctions on a former business partner who was identified as its mastermind. Posting on Twitter, he confirmed that an overhaul of major state-owned enterprises would begin immediately, along with a full audit of their financial activities and a revamp of company management.

The President called for a new supervisory board at Energoatom, the state nuclear operator at the center of the scandal, and directed that it be established “within a week” to support a complete restructuring of the company’s leadership. He also urged the early appointment of a new head for hydropower generator Ukrhydroenergo and pressed for further reforms at Naftogaz and the main gas operator.