The six-hour visit of the Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenski in Athens, pushing the button for the activation of the “Direct Corridor” in the near future, signaling Europe’s dynamic effort to decouple “here and now” from Russian gas.

“Ukraine secures winter gas support from Greece,” the Financial Times reported, adding that “Kiev is seeking imports from allies after Russia’s repeated attacks on the country’s infrastructure.” at a time when “most European Union countries recently approved a ban on Russian gas imports until the end of 2027, a decision aimed at striking a blow to Russia’s war funding,” as Le Monde pointed out.

Pilot agreement for the next

The fact, moreover, that Athens is expected to cover with LNG Ukraine’s winter energy needs triggers the “Vertical Corridor” sooner than ever, and the possibility of new agreements with the Greek side in the role of a stable contracting party. Especially when the recent P-TEC summit at Zappeion was attended by government officials from almost all of Southeastern Europe.

At the same time, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis reiterated the need for an immediate and unconditional cessation of hostilities as the first step towards the start of a process leading to a sustainable and lasting peace, while reaffirming Greece’s continued support for Ukraine and its European perspective. At the same time, the Prime Minister referred to Greece’s role in European and regional energy security and in the energy shielding of Ukraine, which has been upgraded following the recent agreements signed in Athens for the supply and transportation of US LNG through the Vertical Corridor, as well as the agreement signed yesterday between DEPA and Naftogaz.

The bilateral agenda also included discussions regarding the defense cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the field of autonomous systems, and the exploration of the possibility of cooperation in the field of maritime drones, which are particularly important for Greece and in which Ukraine has great expertise.

The 7-point Joint Statement:

In detail, the Prime Minister and the President of Ukraine made the following joint statement:

“On 16 November 2025, at the invitation of the Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky paid an official visit to Greece.

The visit highlighted the strong and long-standing partnership between Greece and Ukraine, which is based on the long-standing historical ties between the peoples of Ukraine and Greece, as well as on the common values of democracy, human rights, respect for sovereignty, international law and international justice, as well as on the common belief that the borders of states cannot be changed by force.

During the visit, President Volodymyr Zelensky and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis discussed ways to strengthen cooperation to restore a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine, as well as to ensure stability and security in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, in Southeast Europe and in the wider Euro-Atlantic region.

The two sides reaffirmed their common commitment to address the armed Russian aggression and overcome other ongoing challenges to regional stability and territorial integrity, including territorial waters, as well as to develop bilateral relations in the areas of security, defence, economy, protection of critical infrastructure and humanitarian assistance.

The Parties agreed on the following:

The Parties underline the urgent need for the achievement of a full and unconditional ceasefire as a first step towards a genuine peace process that will ensure a comprehensive, just and lasting peace, in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter.

The Parties stress the importance of providing Ukraine with credible and strong security guarantees – which will effectively prevent any resumption of armed aggression – through the strengthening of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Greece reaffirms its commitment to support Ukraine on its irreversible path towards full Euro-Atlantic integration, including its future accession to the European Union. In this context, the parties will strengthen cooperation in the defence industry, including joint projects.

3. The Parties underline the importance of energy security and natural gas supply and agreed to strengthen cooperation on diversification of energy sources, development of renewable energy and rehabilitation of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure damaged by Russian attacks. Greece expressed its readiness to contribute with expertise and resources to strengthen Ukraine’s energy resilience.

4. The parties agreed to deepen defense cooperation with a focus on enhancing maritime security, including cooperation in the development and use of maritime unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), conducting joint exercises and training related to maritime unmanned systems, as well as enhanced exchange of information on maritime threats.

5. Both sides recognized the importance of cybersecurity and agreed to develop joint initiatives to enhance the protection of critical infrastructure and counter cyberattacks and hybrid threats targeting both nations.

6. The parties expressed their shared commitment to support international efforts to ensure the return of Ukrainian children illegally abducted by the Russian Federation and to hold those responsible accountable in accordance with international law.

7. The Parties stressed the need to maintain multi-layered pressure on the Russian Federation until it fully withdraws from Ukrainian territory, complies with international law and is held accountable for its violations, and agreed to coordinate, where appropriate, its sanctions policy to enhance its effectiveness. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed his deep respect for the fortitude of the Ukrainian people and his appreciation for the partnership between Greece and Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Mitsotakis and Greece for their consistent support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and for continued humanitarian, political and defence assistance.”

The invasion and Cyprus

In the context of his bilateral meeting with President Zelenski, Kyriakos Mitsotakis referred extensively to the Cyprus issue, noting that Greece has stood by Ukraine’s side from the very first moment in the face of the Russian invasion, given that it stood with the defender against a bloody operation that violates every notion of sovereignty and legitimacy. As the Prime Minister noted, Greece’s support is a principled stand which stems from respect for the UN Charter, international law and the conviction that the use of armed force cannot be tolerated.In this light, he stressed that for Greece, the inviolability of borders is non-negotiable, explaining that any illegal fait accompli will find Athens on the opposite side. He reminded that the issue is particularly sensitive for our country, as the “wound of Cyprus” has remained open for 51 years.

At the same time, Mitsotakis assured the Ukrainian President that Greece is fully implementing European sanctions against Moscow despite the economic costs and supports Ukraine’s European course. In the same context, the Prime Minister also focused on the crucial aspect of bilateral relations, energy cooperation, focusing on the Vertical Energy Corridor and the Alexandroupolis-Odessa axis, which offer Ukraine access to diversified and reliable energy sources and make Greece a hub for supplying Central and Eastern Europe with American liquefied natural gas, describing how Greece is becoming a provider of energy security for Ukraine.

The Greek presence in the next day

Yesterday’s day also included references to Ukraine’s aftermath, with the Prime Minister describing how ways to further support Ukraine, including Greek participation in post-war reconstruction, were discussed. All the more so when Greek companies have the expertise and experience to make a substantial contribution to infrastructure reconstruction, digitization of health care and protection of cultural monuments, with a special focus on Odessa.

For his part, President Zelenski announced that gas supplies will start in January, while fast-track agreements with US companies are underway, thanking US President Donald Trump for his contribution to the implementation of the project through Greece.

He thanked Greece for its support for the relevant EU sanctions and for humanitarian assistance, particularly in the repatriation of abducted children and prisoners of war. “It is very important that in the first quarter the plan will be implemented,” Zelenski said, referring to the two countries’ energy agreements, adding: “We have agreed on other gas supplies. There are agreements, as Mitsotakis said, and we thank the American companies and the president of the United States.”

Shortly before leaving Athens, Volodymyr Zelensky also visited the Ukrainian embassy for talks, while the US ambassador to the country, Kimberly Guilfoyle, was also there.