Ukraine is poised to receive vital supplies of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the United States this winter via a pipeline traversing through Greece. This significant development comes on the heels of a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Athens.
During this meeting, Mitsotakis reaffirmed Greece's commitment to increasing the flow of American LNG to replace Russian gas supplies across the region. The European Commission has plans to completely halt imports of Russian gas to EU member nations by 2027, citing that revenue from these sales supports Russia's war in Ukraine.
As Ukraine braces for another winter characterized by freezing temperatures, concerns loom regarding an impending energy crisis, particularly as Russian forces target energy infrastructure. Reports indicate that recent attacks have heightened fears of disruptions in energy supply.
Zelensky announced that the delivery of US LNG is expected to commence in January 2025, emphasizing the necessity of such imports to compensate for the destruction inflicted upon Ukraine's own gas production capabilities. He stated, We rebuild each time the Russians destroy but this truly requires time, much effort, equipment and, regarding gas... imports to compensate for the destruction by the Russians of our own production.
Zelensky also acknowledged that Ukraine has secured funds for gas imports through European partners and national banks, anticipated to amount to nearly €2 billion to facilitate imports until March 2025.
The Trans-Balkan pipeline, a remnant of the Soviet-era infrastructure, will facilitate the transfer of LNG from Greece to Ukraine, promising a crucial lifeline as Ukrainian energy facilities continue to face threats. The UN has issued warnings that the winter will pose additional risks amidst escalating attacks on energy networks, which jeopardize the ability to maintain essential warmth in homes and social institutions across the country.
