Ukraine eyes Azerbaijani gas as winter energy crisis looms

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced that Kyiv is preparing for potential energy supply disruptions this winter by securing up to $2 billion in fuel procurement agreements.

Speaking to journalists, Zelenskyy said the government had already identified key suppliers to help meet Ukraine’s gas needs, Caliber.Az reports, citing Ukrainian media.

Among the primary partners is Azerbaijan, with which active negotiations are underway for natural gas deliveries. In addition, Ukraine is exploring options for purchasing liquefied natural gas (LNG) via a terminal in Poland, and is engaged in talks with Greece and the United States.

“There is also an understanding with other countries — agreements have been reached. Everyone is working on it. From what I’ve seen, the gas issue will be resolved,” Zelenskyy assured.

Further bolstering Ukraine’s energy strategy, Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko has reached an agreement with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico to reduce tariffs on gas transit. Meanwhile, Norway has stepped in with a $100 million grant and is preparing a second tranche of financial assistance scheduled for January. Ukrainian banks have also signaled readiness to support financing mechanisms for the fuel imports.

The urgency of these efforts follows a significant escalation in Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. According to Bloomberg, missile strikes on facilities in the Poltava region have eliminated more than half of the country’s domestic gas production — sharply increasing the need for imported fuel to meet demand during the winter months.

By Vafa Guliyeva