Ukraine Gets Its First LNG Shipment From U.S. Amid Ongoing War With Russia

In a historic move, Ukraine received its first LNG shipment from the United States via a terminal in Greece, according to the head of the office of the president of Ukraine, Andriy Yermak.

The shipment was organised by Ukraine’s largest private energy company DTEK. It arrived at Greece’s Revitusa LNG terminal on Friday morning.

The delivery included about 100 million cubic meters of gas, which is equivalent to 1 terawatt-hour of energy. While DTEK retained about 10% of the cargo to enhance Ukraine’s energy security, the remaining gas was sold to Greek energy companies.

DTEK described the shipment as a major development, especially with the imminent end of a five-year agreement that allowed Russian pipeline gas to transit through Ukraine.

The company said that the delivery grows Ukraine’s ability to secure energy from international markets despite the ongoing war.

Maxim Timchenko, CEO of DTEK, explained that LNG shipments like this not only strengthen regional energy security but also reduce Russia’s influence over the energy systems of Ukraine and Europe.

This shipment is the first direct LNG purchase by Ukraine from the U.S., although Europe sources around 40% of its LNG from the United States.

The deal was part of an agreement signed in June with U.S. energy firm Venture Global, which will supply LNG to Ukraine through 2026. The companies also have a separate 20-year agreement for more LNG deliveries.

Europe is shifting away from Russian fossil fuels after its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

The pipeline through Ukraine, which currently accounts for about 5% of the European Union’s gas imports, may no longer be available after January 1, 2025, when the transit agreement expires.

Industry experts say that the LNG from the U.S. can stabilise gas supplies across Europe if Russian supplies are disrupted.

With the ongoing war, Ukraine’s energy infrastructure is constantly under threat from Russian attacks. On Christmas Day, a missile strike left more than half a million Ukrainians without electricity, heating, or water, which led to the urgency of having alternative energy sources.

Yermak calls the delivery a “strategic step” for Ukraine, adding that the deal with Venture Global will secure the future of millions of Ukrainians.

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has asked European nations to increase imports of American gas, warning of possible tariffs if they fail to comply. This has forced European countries to reduce their reliance on Russian energy and strengthen ties with U.S. energy companies.

Venture Global, the U.S. company supplying LNG, is one of the largest LNG developers in the world. It recently announced plans to raise $3-4 billion through an initial public offering, which could become one of the largest energy listings in U.S. history.

References: Financial Times, KyivPost

Source: Maritime Shipping News