Ukraine – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his country is preparing to import record quantities of natural gas in 2025. This comes in light of the significant damage caused by Russian attacks to energy infrastructure, particularly gas facilities.
In remarks he made during a meeting with reporters on Sunday, which were later cleared for publication, Zelensky revealed that Ukraine could import up to $2 billion worth of gas this year from countries such as the United States, Europe, and Azerbaijan, to compensate for the significant shortfall in domestic supplies.
The Ukrainian president indicated that his country is exploring the possibility of importing American liquefied natural gas via terminals in Poland and Greece. He also revealed a long-term plan that includes building a dedicated liquefied natural gas terminal within Ukraine in cooperation with American companies.
Diplomatic partnership with Paris
In a related development, Zelenskyy announced a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron, during which they discussed ways to increase pressure on Russia in an effort to push the diplomatic process toward a political solution.
Zelenskyy said, “Macron and I discussed all current diplomatic aspects and agreed to meet soon.” He added, in statements to Express newspaper, that “pressure on those who started the war is the key to a settlement,” referring to the need to tighten sanctions on Moscow.
Tense context and battle over energy
These statements come at a time when Ukraine is facing significant challenges in its energy sector, with continued Russian attacks targeting vital infrastructure. This increases Kyiv’s dependence on imported gas. The Ukrainian government is also seeking to diversify its energy sources and secure supplies in preparation for the winter season.
Importing gas from multiple sources is part of Ukraine’s strategy to adapt to wartime conditions. This ensures that heating and power networks remain stable. This comes amid intense efforts by Western allies to provide the necessary technical and financial support.
Energy security is expected to feature prominently in upcoming international meetings, as European and American efforts continue to contain the repercussions of the Russian war on vital infrastructure in Ukraine and the region.
