ATHENS — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Sunday that Kyiv has reached an agreement with Greece to import gas as the country races to secure winter energy supplies amid ongoing Russian attacks on critical infrastructure.
“Today, we have already prepared an agreement with Greece on gas for Ukraine, which will be another gas supply route to secure imports for the winter as much as possible,” Zelenskyy said in a video statement shared on X.
He said Ukraine already has financing arrangements in place for gas imports and is seeking nearly €2 billion ($2.3 billion) to offset losses in domestic production caused by Russian strikes.
Zelenskyy acknowledged support from European partners and said Kyiv is also working closely with the US on securing full funding.
The president highlighted efforts to diversify gas routes, including cooperation with Poland and discussions with Azerbaijan for long-term supply contracts.
His remarks came hours after authorities reported overnight Russian airstrikes on multiple Ukrainian regions.
Ukraine’s air force said it shot down 139 of 176 drones launched by Russia, while attacks in Odesa damaged energy facilities, including a solar power plant.
Russia’s Defense Ministry, meanwhile, claimed to have intercepted 57 Ukrainian drones targeting several regions, including Samara and Volgograd.
Zelenskyy also said Ukraine has prepared a “historic” defense agreement with France to strengthen combat aviation and air defenses. He is scheduled to sign the deal during a visit on Monday and will travel to Spain the following day.
He added that Kyiv is pushing to resume prisoner-of-war exchanges, saying ongoing talks aim to restart swaps suspended since earlier this year.
On Saturday, Ukraine’s National Defense and Security Council Secretary Rustem Umerov said consultations in Türkiye and the UAE resulted in agreement to activate the Istanbul arrangements for the release of 1,200 Ukrainians, with technical discussions expected soon.
Russia and Ukraine last held renewed peace talks in Istanbul on May 16, June 2, and July 23, which produced major prisoner swaps and draft memoranda outlining positions for a possible future settlement. — Agencies
