Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky laying a wreath at Mont Valerien, just west of Paris. He visited to inspect the fledgling headquarters for what would become an effective — if temporary — multinational force. This campaign aims to mediate a temporary ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia. Since Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the continued conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and injuries.
During his discussions in Athens, Zelensky indeed confirmed that deliveries of US liquefied natural gas (LNG) will begin next January. After those meetings, he visited France. The geopolitical landscape for Ukraine has shifted completely. With millions of civilians facing displacement as a result of the ongoing conflict, ensuring energy security is more pressing than ever.
Zelensky joint French President Emmanuel Macron signed a letter of intent. Once finalized, this agreement will realize Ukraine’s potential acquisition of up to 100 Rafale jets, fortifying the country’s defense against Russian aggression. Zelensky stressed the importance of imports of gas from European partners. He announced that Kyiv has already allocated money for these imports, underpinned by Ukrainian banks and assurances from the European Commission. The combined fiscal cost for these imports is expected to be around €2 billion, enough to cover needs until the end of March.
“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,” – Volodymyr Zelensky
Ukraine has been dependent on energy supplies from most other EU member states since 2015. Fears of an impending energy crisis this winter have added to the urgency for these supplies. Sustained Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure have only exacerbated the dire situation.
Just last month, Zelensky signed a letter of intent in Sweden. His biggest purchase plans by far are for 100 to 150 Gripen fighter jets. These procurements are an important symbol of Ukraine’s determination to continue strengthening its military in the face of ongoing aggression and threats.
On the energy front, Greece is taking steps to increase American LNG shipments to its terminals. This step is just one part of their ongoing efforts to help replace Russian gas in the region. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis remarked, “Greece is becoming an energy security provider for your homeland,” highlighting the collaborative efforts between Greece and Ukraine to ensure energy stability.
This winter, US LNG is expected to continue reaching Ukraine through a largely symbolic pipeline running across the Balkans. This is a fundamental reset of the energy status quo in Eastern Europe.