Kyiv eyes U.S. LNG imports to fill output gap after Russian strikes
Business26 September 2025, 10:43 AM
This effort is part of Kyiv’s attempt to stabilize its wartime economy and secure President Donald Trump’s support.
Naftogaz is in talks with several American producers about direct contracts for liquefied natural gas (LNG), Koretsky said, without providing details.
About 10% of Ukraine’s gas imports already come from the U.S., purchased through Polish energy firm PKN Orlen. As of mid-September, Naftogaz had delivered about 400 million cubic meters of American LNG under its Orlen deal, with imports routed through terminals in Świnoujście, Poland, and Klaipėda, Lithuania.
The company is racing to rebuild capacity after Russian airstrikes wiped out 42% of daily gas production. Ukraine will need to import 5.8 billion cubic meters in 2025 — nearly half of the 13.2 billion cubic meters required to stockpile ahead of winter.
Koretsky said Naftogaz remains confident it can meet that target, buoyed by $1 billion of its own funds, $1.5 billion in external financing, and recent support from Norway and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko, who last week met with U.S. officials overseeing the investment vehicle, said Kyiv aims to complete three energy projects with U.S. backing by the end of 2026.
Ukraine's efforts come amid renewed Russian strikes on its energy infrastructure. Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko previously described the situation as "challenging" and said Ukraine is purchasing gas specifically for electricity generation.
In May, Ukraine had imported 1.12 billion cubic meters of gas—ten times more than during the same period in 2024 (118 million cubic meters). The sharp increase is linked to urgent needs for the 2024–2025 heating season following a major drop in domestic production caused by Russian strikes in February.
Before intensified Russian airstrikes on gas infrastructure, Ukraine was producing 52–53 million cubic meters of gas per day.
Ukraine aims to stockpile at least 13 billion cubic meters of gas by mid-October to ensure uninterrupted winter heating.