Ukraine received its first shipment of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the United States on Friday, marking a crucial step in its efforts to diversify its energy sources. This delivery comes as the country prepares to let an agreement for the transit of Russian gas to Europe, in force for several years, expire.
DTEK, Ukraine’s largest private energy company, confirmed that this cargo of approximately 100 million cubic meters of gas was delivered to a Greek regasification terminal in the Mediterranean, before being transported by pipeline to Ukraine . Maxim Timchenko, CEO of DTEK, said that this initiative aims to reduce Ukraine’s energy dependence on Russia. “Cargoes like this provide a flexible and secure source of energy, while helping to weaken Russia’s influence over our energy system,” he said.
Agreement with Russia comes to an end
Until now, Ukraine benefited from a lucrative transit agreement allowing Russia to transport gas to Europe. However, this agreement is due to expire at the end of 2024, and kyiv has chosen not to renew it, citing the need to strengthen its energy autonomy. This context reinforces the strategic importance of this first delivery of American LNG.
In response to Russian strikes on its energy infrastructure, Ukraine has also stepped up its electricity imports from the European Union (EU). This collaboration with the United States is part of a broader strategy to stabilize its energy network and ease pressure on the European market.
The United States in Support of Europe
The European Union, although still dependent on Russian gas, has stepped up efforts to diversify its supplies since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, urged member countries to prioritize imports of American LNG, despite often higher costs. This first Ukrainian delivery reflects the joint desire of Western allies to reduce their dependence on Russian energy.
However, this dynamic raises significant challenges, including the high cost of US LNG and the limited capacities of regasification infrastructure in Europe. These obstacles could complicate the energy transition for Ukraine and its European partners.
Geopolitical Implications
This initiative marks a strategic repositioning in global energy geopolitics. As the United States strengthens itself as a major LNG supplier, tensions with Moscow continue to influence energy decisions in Europe. In addition, President-elect Donald Trump recently reiterated his desire to push European countries to favor American gas, even if it means imposing customs tariffs in the event of non-compliance.
For Ukraine, this first delivery symbolizes not only a step towards energy independence, but also a step towards greater integration into Western energy networks. However, the path remains strewn with pitfalls, with persistent dependence on European infrastructure and high costs weighing on national budgets.
