The recent six-hour visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Athens on November 16, 2025, has sent a clear message across Europe: the continent is actively and urgently decoupling from Russian gas. By pushing for the immediate activation of the “Vertical Corridor,” Greece is not just facilitating Ukraine’s winter energy needs but is positioning itself as a crucial gateway for liquefied natural gas (LNG) into Europe, a strategic move with far-reaching implications for energy security and geopolitical stability.
Greece’s Strategic Shift: From Energy Consumer to Gateway
The Financial Times highlighted that “Ukraine secures winter gas support from Greece,” emphasizing Kyiv’s urgent need for imports following Russia’s sustained attacks on its infrastructure. This development comes as most EU countries have approved a ban on Russian gas imports until the end of 2027, a decision aimed at crippling Russia’s war funding, as noted by Le Monde. The gravity of this situation underscores the critical role Greece is now playing in the broader European energy landscape.
The pilot agreement for Greece to cover Ukraine’s winter energy needs with LNG accelerates the implementation of the “Vertical Corridor,” suggesting potential for new, robust agreements with Greece as a reliable contracting party. This strategic shift was further solidified by the recent P-TEC summit at Zappeion, which saw the participation of government officials from across Southeastern Europe, signaling a concerted regional effort towards energy diversification.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis reiterated Greece’s unwavering support for Ukraine, advocating for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a path towards a sustainable peace. He underscored Greece’s enhanced role in European and regional energy security, particularly through recent agreements for the supply and transportation of US LNG via the Vertical Corridor, and the agreement between DEPA and Naftogaz. This positions Greece not merely as a transit country, but as a proactive provider of energy security for Ukraine and the wider region.
Beyond Energy: A Comprehensive Bilateral Agenda
The discussions in Athens extended beyond energy, encompassing crucial aspects of defense cooperation. Both nations explored collaboration in autonomous systems and maritime drones, an area where Ukraine possesses significant expertise and which is of particular importance to Greece’s maritime security. This highlights a multifaceted partnership aimed at bolstering both countries’ defensive capabilities and technological advancements.
The 7-Point Joint Statement: A Blueprint for Future Cooperation
The visit culminated in a comprehensive 7-point Joint Statement, detailing the foundations of the Greece-Ukraine partnership. Key agreements include:
- Ceasefire and Peace Process: Both parties stressed the urgent need for a full and unconditional ceasefire as a preliminary step towards a genuine, lasting peace, adhering to UN Charter principles.
- Security Guarantees and Euro-Atlantic Integration: Greece reaffirmed its commitment to support Ukraine’s irreversible path towards full Euro-Atlantic integration, including EU accession, and to strengthen defense industry cooperation.
- Energy Security and Diversification: A critical point, emphasizing strengthened cooperation on diversifying energy sources, developing renewable energy, and rehabilitating Ukraine’s war-damaged energy infrastructure. Greece offered its expertise and resources to enhance Ukraine’s energy resilience.
- Deepened Defense Cooperation: Focused on maritime security, including the development and use of maritime unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), joint exercises, and enhanced information exchange on maritime threats.
- Cybersecurity: Agreement to develop joint initiatives to protect critical infrastructure and counter cyberattacks and hybrid threats.
- Return of Ukrainian Children and Accountability: Shared commitment to support international efforts for the return of Ukrainian children illegally abducted by the Russian Federation and to hold those responsible accountable.
- Pressure on Russia: Agreement to maintain multi-layered pressure on Russia until it fully withdraws from Ukrainian territory, complies with international law, and is held accountable for its violations, including coordinating sanctions policy.
Prime Minister Mitsotakis expressed profound respect for the fortitude of the Ukrainian people, while President Zelensky conveyed gratitude for Greece’s consistent support and humanitarian, political, and defense assistance.
The Cyprus Dimension: A Principled Stand
In his bilateral meeting, Mitsotakis drew parallels between the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the Cyprus issue, emphasizing Greece’s principled stand against any violation of sovereignty and international law. He stressed that Greece’s support for Ukraine stems from a deep respect for the UN Charter and the conviction that the use of armed force to alter borders is unacceptable. This stance is particularly poignant for Greece, given the unresolved “wound of Cyprus” for 51 years, highlighting a consistent foreign policy based on the inviolability of borders.
Mitsotakis also assured President Zelensky of Greece’s full implementation of European sanctions against Moscow, despite economic costs, and reaffirmed support for Ukraine’s European course. He specifically highlighted the crucial role of the Vertical Energy Corridor and the Alexandroupolis-Odessa axis in providing Ukraine with diversified and reliable energy sources, further solidifying Greece’s role as an energy security provider.
The Greek Presence in Ukraine’s Reconstruction
Discussions also touched upon Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction, with Prime Minister Mitsotakis outlining Greece’s potential participation. Greek companies, with their expertise, can significantly contribute to infrastructure reconstruction, healthcare digitization, and the protection of cultural monuments, particularly in Odessa.
President Zelensky announced that gas supplies would commence in January, with fast-track agreements with US companies underway. He thanked US President Donald Trump for his contribution to the project through Greece, and acknowledged Greece’s support for EU sanctions and humanitarian aid, including the repatriation of abducted children and prisoners of war. Zelensky emphasized the importance of the energy agreements, stating, “It is very important that in the first quarter the plan will be implemented.”
Before his departure, President Zelensky visited the Ukrainian embassy for further talks, joined by the US ambassador to Greece, Kimberly Guilfoyle.
The Athens visit represents a significant milestone, not only for Greece and Ukraine but for Europe’s broader strategic autonomy. Greece’s emergence as a vital energy hub, coupled with its steadfast commitment to international law and democratic values, underscores a proactive approach to regional and European security in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.
Source: https://en.protothema.gr/2025/11/17/zelenskis-visit-to-athens-is-in-the-focus-of-the-international-press-greece-is-officially-the-gateway-for-lng-in-europe/
