How Greece is Becoming a Key Energy Hub for Southeastern Europe
Following the signing of agreements between Greece and the United States at last week’s transatlantic P-TEC Summit, Greece is emerging as a major energy hub for Southeastern Europe by taking on a central role in the transportation of American LNG.
In statements made after signing today’s energy agreement with Ukraine, Prime Minister Mitsotakis noted that just a week later, Greece had swiftly activated the Vertical Corridor.
The agreement between DEPA Commerce and Naftogaz for the supply of LNG from December 2025 to March 2026 confirms that Greece is functioning as a natural gas gateway, aiming to reduce dependence on Russian gas.
Government sources emphasize that Greece’s critical energy infrastructure guarantees stable natural gas flows along the Vertical Corridor.
The President of Ukraine is expected to leave the Maximos Mansion shortly, heading to the Parliament, where he is scheduled to meet with Nikitas Kaklamanis.
Zelenskyy: We Expect Greece’s Participation in Ukraine’s Reconstruction
The Ukrainian president called for continued pressure on Russia. “Russia deserves further sanctions, and we are very grateful to Greece for supporting our initiatives to bring back the abducted children to Ukraine, and for the prisoners of war since 2014, when Russia’s invasion began. Since then, we have been working to return these children and adults home,” he said.
He also thanked Greece for its support of Ukraine’s European path. “We expect Greece to take part in Ukraine’s reconstruction. We have presented our capabilities in modern defense production. Ukraine is defending itself, but it has also developed many weapons where we can collaborate,” he emphasized.
Zelenskyy Thanks Greece and Trump for Support
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed deep gratitude for Greece’s support during a challenging time marked by frequent Russian attacks on critical infrastructure, including power plants and gas sources. He emphasized the importance of their energy cooperation, thanking Greek officials and U.S. partners personally for making the energy plan possible. Zelenskyy highlighted that the agreement would begin implementation in the first quarter of 2026, with additional gas supply deals already in place.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis pledged Greece’s assistance in Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction, focusing on construction, education, and cultural heritage protection. He recalled Greece’s longstanding ties with the Ukrainian port city of Odessa, which he has visited multiple times since the war began.
Mitsotakis reaffirmed Greece’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, drawing parallels with Greece’s own experience with the Cyprus occupation. He underlined Greece’s commitment to Ukraine’s European path and the strengthening of bilateral relations through new energy security projects, including the activation of the vertical corridor connecting Greece to Ukraine. This initiative aims to reduce Europe’s dependence on Russian gas, positioning Greece as a key energy provider in the region.
A statement of intent was signed between DEPA Commerce and Naftogaz for the supply of American LNG to Ukraine from December 2025 to March 2026. This agreement is a crucial contribution to regional and European energy security and resilience, supporting Ukraine through a difficult winter.
Photo: The signing of the agreement
Greece’s key energy infrastructure ensures steady natural gas flows along the Vertical Corridor, government sources say.
The signing took place in the presence of Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Kimberly Gilfoyle.
Mitsotakis: We are activating the vertical corridor — our goal is to ensure that gas reaches your country
Photo: The signing of the agreement
“Ukraine can rely on Greece’s unwavering support. We stand ready to assist your country and your people in every possible way. We are activating the vertical corridor and working to ensure that gas will reach your country during this difficult winter,” Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said at the start of his meeting with President Zelenskyy.
Mr. Zelenskyy thanked the Greek side, noting the critical moment Ukraine is facing as it prepares for a harsh winter. “Your support is extremely important, especially ahead of the difficult winter to come, with daily attacks against civilians,” he said.
The two leaders are scheduled to make joint statements later.
The new U.S. Ambassador to Greece, Kimberly Guilfoyle, arrived at the Maximos Mansion to attend the signing of the energy agreement between Athens and Kyiv. Her presence underscores Washington’s interest in the deepening energy cooperation involving Greece and Ukraine. Inside, the meeting between Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Volodymyr Zelenskyy was already under way, with energy security dominating the agenda. Earlier, both leaders had brief discussions with President Konstantinos Tasoulas, focusing on the challenges Ukraine faces ahead of the winter.
Mitsotakis–Zelensky one-on-one meeting underway
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy are currently holding a private meeting. Statements to the press and expanded talks between the two delegations will follow.
At the Maximos Mansion are already the Minister of Environment and Energy, Stavros Papastavrou, and Deputy Minister Nikos Tsafos, ahead of the signing of the energy agreement. The signing ceremony is expected to take place after 14:00.
An energy agreement between Kyiv and Athens is expected to strengthen Ukraine’s energy security ahead of what President Zelenskyy warned will be a difficult winter, amid ongoing Russian drone and missile strikes. After leaving the Presidential Mansion, Zelenskyy walked to the Maximos Mansion, where Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis greeted him warmly before their meeting. Zelenskyy emphasized that the energy deal follows months of negotiations and expressed gratitude for Greece’s political and energy support. The agreement marks a further deepening of bilateral ties, following the security pact signed during Zelensky’s first visit to Athens in 2023.
Zelenskyy is currently at the Presidential Mansion, where the official welcome took place. His delegation has already departed for the Maximos Mansion ahead of the Ukrainian president’s meeting with Prime Minister Mitsotakis.
President Konstantinos Tasoulas emphasized the importance of Zelenskyy’s visit not only for Ukraine but for the entire world. He highlighted that Greece has stood firmly by Ukraine since the unprovoked invasion, supporting the defense of its territorial sovereignty, freedom, and peace. Upon arrival at the Presidential Mansion, Tasoulas warmly welcomed Zelensky with a handshake and brief conversation before they proceeded inside, where Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis and members of the Ukrainian embassy were also present.
Zelenskyy’s Guard at the Presidential Palace
The guard of the Ukrainian president is already at the Presidential Palace, while the president himself is expected to arrive shortly.
Zelenskyy will meet with the President of the Republic, Konstantinos Tasoulas.
The Arrival of the Ukrainian Presidential Aircraft and the Departure of Zelenskyy’s Motorcade
At 12:26, the Ukrainian presidential aircraft landed at Eleftherios Venizelos Airport, with Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other members of the Ukrainian delegation.
Shortly after, Mr. Zelenskyy disembarked from the aircraft and had a brief conversation with Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis, who welcomed him.
After a military honor guard from the Air Force paid tribute, Mr. Zelenskyy and his entourage boarded vehicles bound for the Presidential Palace.
Almost 200 Russian Drones Launched Against Ukraine Overnight
The visit of Volodymyr Zelenskyy comes at a time when Russian attacks continue. Nearly 200 drones were launched against Ukraine overnight, according to the country’s air force.
According to the same data, Russia launched a total of 177 drones and missiles, of which 138 were shot down, while 37 drones struck targets in 14 different locations. Additionally, debris from two other drones caused damage.
“The attack continues; new groups of enemy drones are in the airspace,” the air force warned.
Zelenskyy’s Second Visit to Athens
The President of Ukraine is visiting Greece for the second time since the outbreak of the war, carrying out what is described as a working visit.
He had previously visited Athens again in August 2023.
Security Protocol Under Constant Revision as Athens Tightens Measures for Zelenskyy’s Visit
Athens was on high alert on Sunday, with security protocols changing repeatedly in the hours leading up to the arrival of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. According to senior police officials, the adjustments were continuous and extensive, reflecting both the high-profile nature of the visit and the heightened geopolitical environment.
Authorities implemented one of the strictest security operations seen in recent years. Entire zones of central Athens, as well as parts of Filothei and Chalandri, were placed under a blanket ban on public gatherings from early morning until late evening. Police said the prohibition was necessary to eliminate any risk of disturbances or potential threats during the president’s movements across the capital.
Special police units, counter-terror squads, and K-9 teams swept key locations, including Athens International Airport, the Presidential Mansion, and the Maximos Mansion. Routes were repeatedly modified, last-minute detours were introduced, and operational teams remained on standby as the protocol shifted throughout the morning.
The Ukrainian presidential aircraft landed shortly after noon, triggering a tightly coordinated motorcade transfer through locked-down streets. Officials emphasized that the evolving security plan was designed to adapt quickly to real-time intelligence and ensure maximum protection for both delegations.
Zelenskyy’s visit marks the beginning of a short European tour that will take him next to Paris and Madrid. In Athens, his agenda includes meetings with President Konstantinos Tasoulas, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and parliamentary representatives, with energy cooperation and regional security at the forefront of discussions.
Despite the extensive measures and the ever-changing protocol, authorities reported that the operation unfolded smoothly, without incidents.
Ukraine will import natural gas from Greece to help cover its winter needs, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said today in a social media post, pledging to secure nearly 2 billion euros to offset losses in domestic production caused by Russian attacks.
“Today, we have already prepared an agreement with Greece regarding natural gas for Ukraine, which will serve as an additional supply route ensuring winter imports as much as possible,” the Ukrainian president stated on the messaging app Telegram.
“We already have agreements for financing natural gas imports, and we will cover nearly 2 billion euros required to compensate for the losses suffered by Ukraine’s production due to Russian attacks.”
Zelenskyy’s statement came ahead of his arrival in Greece today, the first stop of his tour of European countries. He is also scheduled to visit France and Spain.
Zelenskyy added that Kyiv had allocated funds for natural gas imports from European partners and banks under European Commission guarantees, as well as from Ukrainian banks. At the same time, Ukraine is working with American partners to secure full financing.
Ukraine is expanding its winter supply options through its Polish partners, where it is cooperating with Azerbaijan, and hopes to secure long-term contracts, he added.
Meeting with Mitsotakis at 13:45
The Ukrainian president will visit Athens today. According to reports, he is expected to arrive at Athens International Airport shortly after 12:00. His first stop will be the Presidential Mansion at 13:00, where he will hold talks with Mr. Tasoulas. At 13:45 he will go to the Maximos Mansion to meet Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Afterwards, statements to the press will be made, followed by an expanded meeting between the two countries’ delegations.
At 15:00 he will head to the Greek Parliament, where he will meet with Nikitas Kaklamanis, before departing for Kyiv.
Police Measures
According to the Hellenic Police announcement:
“All public outdoor gatherings are prohibited on Sunday 16-11-2025 from 06:00 until 22:00 due to the visit of the President of Ukraine to Athens, in the following areas enclosed by the following streets:
Municipality of Athens:
Vas. Konstantinou Ave. – Vas. Olgas Ave. – Vas. Amalias Ave. – Xenophontos – Filellinon – Syntagma Sq. – Stadiou – Amerikis – Lycabettus – Il. Rogakou – Kleomenous – Ploutarchou – Rizari – Vas. Konstantinou Ave.
Municipalities of Filothei–Psychiko and Chalandri:
Kifisias Ave. – Vekiarelli – Griva Digeni – 25th Martiou – Bizaniou – Korytsas – Benaki – Kokkoni – Kifisias Ave. – Agamemnonos – Ag. Varvaras – Serron – Kifisias Ave.
The prohibition is imposed because the holding of gatherings poses a serious risk to public safety due to the possible commission of serious crimes—particularly against life, physical integrity, and property—and severely threatens the socioeconomic order in these areas.”
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