 "The biggest shock came with the accusation that an alleged close friend and a former business associate of Zelensky had masterminded the scheme. AFP")
Greece and Ukraine signed an agreement on Sunday to facilitate the transport of US liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Ukraine, a move officials say will bolster regional energy security as Kyiv prepares for a difficult winter.
The deal, signed in the presence of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou and US Ambassador Kimberly Gillfoyle, formalises a declaration of intent between Greece’s DEPA Commerce and Ukraine’s Naftogaz. Under the plan, US LNG will be routed through Greece via the Vertical Corridor from December 2025 to March 2026. Supplies are expected to begin in January.
Greek officials said the agreement will help maintain stable gas flows to Europe and offer “critical support” to Ukraine.
At a joint press conference, Mitsotakis said, “We stand with the Ukrainian people. Greece sided from the first moment with the defender against an attack that violates every principle of sovereignty and international law.” He reaffirmed that “the inviolability of borders is nonnegotiable” and described Greece as a “steady ally” of Kyiv. Mitsotakis also highlighted the creation of a “new secure energy artery from south to north” through the Vertical Corridor and promised Greek support for Ukraine’s postwar reconstruction.
Zelenskyy thanked Greece for its “continuous, substantive and multifaceted support” and noted the daily attacks on Ukraine’s critical infrastructure. He also expressed appreciation to Greece and the US for their role in the energy agreements and urged continued pressure on Moscow, saying, “Russia deserves further sanctions, and we are very pleased with Greece, which supports our initiatives to return abducted children and prisoners of war.”
Zelenskyy arrived in Athens earlier on Sunday for high-level meetings on energy cooperation and ongoing Greek assistance. He was welcomed by President of the Hellenic Republic Konstantinos Tasoulas before meeting Mitsotakis at the Maximos Mansion for the signing ceremony.