KYIV: Ukraine is preparing to import natural gas worth around $2 billion from Europe, the United States, and Azerbaijan this winter, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced, as the country struggles to recover from severe damage to its energy infrastructure caused by recent Russian attacks.
Although Zelenskyy did not specify the total gas volume to be purchased, Kyiv had earlier planned to import 4.6 billion cubic meters (bcm) before a wave of Russian missile strikes crippled Ukraine’s gas sector earlier this autumn. Following the destruction, Energy Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk confirmed that imports would now need to rise by at least 30 percent, while analysts estimate total requirements could reach 6.3 bcm.
In this very difficult situation, Ukraine must be prepared to find gas worth $2 billion, Zelenskyy said during a Sunday briefing released on Monday, emphasizing the urgency of securing energy stability before the harsh winter months.
The president noted that Ukraine’s financially strained government is actively engaging with international partners to raise funds for the increased imports, with several allies expressing readiness to help. Norway is expected to provide an additional grant tranche in January to support Kyiv’s efforts.
Ukraine has already purchased about 0.5 bcm of US liquefied natural gas (LNG) this year, but Zelenskyy revealed that agreements have been reached for additional LNG volumes if required. While Kyiv traditionally imports American gas through terminals in Poland, new shipments could also be routed through Greece and the Transbalkan corridor, expanding the country’s logistical options.
In a significant strategic development, Zelenskyy announced plans to cooperate with US energy companies to construct an LNG terminal in the Black Sea port of Odesa, a move that would allow Ukraine not only to strengthen its own energy independence but also to supply US gas to Europe via its vast underground storage facilities.
An option is to build an LNG terminal in Odesa, Zelenskyy said, but this requires negotiations with Turkey to ensure that the Bosphorus Strait remains open for such maritime transport.
Ukraine had previously explored this project, but Turkey’s restrictions on LNG tanker passage through the Bosphorus had stalled progress. Now, amid the war and global energy shifts, the idea appears to be regaining momentum as Kyiv looks to secure its long-term energy future.