On November 16, 2025, the city of Athens became a focal point for international diplomacy as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenski embarked on a high-profile visit to Greece. The trip, which lasted four hours, was packed with symbolism and substance—culminating in the signing of a landmark natural gas supply deal and reaffirming the deepening ties between the two nations at a time of immense geopolitical uncertainty.
Upon his arrival, President Zelenski was warmly received by Konstantinos Tasoulas, the President of the Hellenic Parliament. The meeting, held against the backdrop of Ukraine’s ongoing struggle to defend its sovereignty, was more than just a diplomatic courtesy. It was a powerful gesture of solidarity, as Tasoulas made clear in his welcoming remarks. According to ANT1 News, Tasoulas expressed Greece’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s fight to protect its national integrity. He stated, “That is why our support over these past four years has evolved on all levels—economic, political, energy, humanitarian.”
Tasoulas went further, drawing a historical parallel with Cyprus, which he noted has been under occupation for decades. “This very case dictates our stance towards your country,” he explained, underscoring the moral and legal foundations of Greece’s policy. “Our stance is guided by our commitment to the Charter of the United Nations, our devotion to international law, which in the case of the Russian invasion was brutally violated.”
One of the most pressing issues on the agenda was energy security. As winter looms, Ukraine faces the daunting prospect of another season marked by uncertainty and hardship. President Zelenski did not mince words about the challenges ahead, but he was quick to acknowledge Greece’s pivotal role. “We are entering into an agreement with Greece in the energy sector, aiming to maximize options for supplying Ukraine with natural gas, both for this winter and strategically for the long term,” Zelenski announced, as reported by OT.
The centerpiece of the visit was the signing of a new natural gas supply agreement between Ukraine and DEPA Emporias, Greece’s leading gas company. The deal, which was formalized in the presence of the Greek Minister of Environment and Energy at Megara Maximiou, is designed to bolster Ukraine’s energy security at a critical juncture. The gas will be delivered to Ukraine via the Vertical Corridor, a key infrastructure route, ensuring steady supplies during the harsh winter months ahead.
According to sources cited by OT, this agreement is not a one-off. DEPA Emporias had already taken steps in 2024 to store quantities of natural gas in Ukraine’s own facilities, specifically in the storage spaces of Uktransgaz. This move, detailed in DEPA’s annual report, was motivated by both commercial interests and the imperative of supply security. The fact that these arrangements were kept under wraps until now speaks to the sensitivity and strategic importance of the energy partnership.
But the cooperation does not stop there. In the framework of the P-TEC initiative, a joint venture between AKTOR and DEPA Emporias—known as ATLANTIC – SEE LNG TRADE A.E.—has inked agreements with Ukrainian companies to supply natural gas from 2030 onward. Notably, a Joint Statement of Mutual Intent was signed with Naftogaz of Ukraine, signaling interest in a long-term LNG supply contract of up to 0.7 million tons per year for 20 years, beginning January 1, 2030. Similar memoranda were signed with Romanian firms NOVA POWER & GAS S.R.L. and S.N.T.G.N. Transgaz S.A., potentially totaling up to 3.7 billion cubic meters of LNG annually over two decades.
Zelenski’s gratitude was palpable throughout his Athens meetings. He thanked Greece and the Greek people for their “solidarity and support during these difficult times.” The Ukrainian president highlighted how the new energy deal is not just about pipelines and contracts—it’s a symbol of a much broader partnership. “The agreement is a symbol of the strong energy partnership between Ukraine and Greece,” he emphasized, according to OT. He also noted that energy cooperation would be a recurring topic in his discussions, alongside the pressing issue of Ukrainian hostages.
For the Greek side, the partnership is equally significant. Officials stressed the importance of supporting Ukraine’s energy needs, especially as the country grapples with the ongoing crisis triggered by Russia’s invasion. “Greece supports Ukraine’s energy independence and its European path,” Tasoulas affirmed, reiterating that Athens backs Kyiv’s aspirations for closer integration with the European Union.
The energy agreement is also part of a wider web of support. Over the past four years, Greece has provided assistance to Ukraine across multiple domains—economic, political, humanitarian, and, crucially, energy. This comprehensive approach, Greek leaders say, is rooted in their nation’s steadfast adherence to the principles of international law and the United Nations Charter. The parallel drawn with Cyprus was not lost on observers, serving as a reminder that Greece’s foreign policy is shaped by its own historical experiences of occupation and conflict.
As the world watches the evolving situation in Eastern Europe, the Athens visit sent a clear message: the bonds between Greece and Ukraine are growing stronger, not just out of necessity, but out of shared values and mutual interests. The natural gas deal is a testament to this partnership, offering Ukraine a lifeline as it braces for another difficult winter and laying the groundwork for long-term cooperation in the energy sector.
Looking ahead, both sides are eager to build on the momentum generated by the latest agreements. The Greek government has signaled its readiness to deepen collaboration, not only in energy but across a range of strategic areas. For Ukraine, the support from Athens is more than just practical—it’s a vote of confidence in its future as part of the European family.
As the meetings in Athens concluded, Zelenski’s words echoed the spirit of the occasion: “Thank you for your support in the energy sector.” In a world where alliances are often tested by adversity, the Greece-Ukraine partnership stands as a reminder that solidarity, when backed by concrete action, can make all the difference.
