Ukraine agrees new gas corridor from Greece, aims to overcome winter

Ukraine is strengthening its energy security ahead of winter with a new gas import agreement with Greece. President Volodymyr Zelensky said it was another step in diversifying routes to compensate for shortfalls caused by Russian attacks on gas infrastructure, Unian news agency reports.

The Ukrainian government, European banks, Norway and the United States are all contributing to the financing of nearly two billion euros of imports, with guarantees provided by the European Commission.

Zelensky expressed his gratitude to all those who are helping to cope with the critical heating season. Currently, Ukraine imports gas daily from Hungary (ten million cubic metres), Poland (eight million cubic metres) and Slovakia (five million cubic metres).

As a result of nine Russian attacks since October, the country has also been forced to resume more costly transit through the Trans-Balkan Corridor. According to Naftohaz chief Serhiy Koretsky, the attacks are aimed at depriving Ukrainians of gas, heat and electricity.

(mja)