Greece and Ukraine have recently solidified a deal to supply US-origin liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Ukraine from December until March 2026, aimed at bolstering energy security amid ongoing Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure. This agreement, announced during President Zelenskyy’s visit to Athens, comes as Russian forces make advances in the Zaporizhzhia region and launch drone strikes on the Odesa region. Simultaneously, Ukraine has struck a major oil refinery in Russia’s Samara region. Amidst these developments, Zelenskyy has also announced plans to overhaul key state energy companies following a corruption scandal.
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Ukraine has secured gas imports from Greece to support its winter energy needs, as announced by President Volodymyr Zelensky. The agreement provides an additional supply route for the colder months, with Ukraine aiming to secure nearly 2 billion euros to offset production losses due to Russian attacks. Kyiv has allocated funds for gas purchases through European partners and banks, while also working with Polish partners and Azerbaijan to secure long-term contracts. Furthermore, Zelensky announced sweeping reforms across state-owned energy companies following a corruption scandal involving embezzlement, including the immediate overhaul of key enterprises and the establishment of a new supervisory board at Energoatom.
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Bulgaria’s bold plan to seize and sell the Russian-owned oil refinery is a complex move, driven by a confluence of factors ranging from geopolitical pressure to national energy security concerns. It appears the nation is taking decisive steps to gain control of Lukoil’s Burgas refinery, the only one in the country, and ultimately transfer ownership. This isn’t just a simple business transaction; it’s a strategic maneuver playing out against the backdrop of international sanctions and shifting energy dynamics.
The core of Bulgaria’s strategy is to introduce legal changes that will empower a special manager to step in and take over the operational reins of the refinery.… Continue reading
The European Union’s energy ministers have agreed to ban Russian gas imports by January 1, 2028, in response to Moscow’s “weaponization” of gas supplies, despite the EU still being a major importer of Russian LNG. The bill, which has exceptions, will initially target existing contracts and is set to be approved by the European Parliament. Hungary and Slovakia opposed the bill, citing difficulties in securing alternative gas sources due to their landlocked status. The new regulation includes additional scrutiny for Russian gas, transition plans, and prior authorization regimes to ensure compliance.
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US moves to cancel one of the world’s largest solar farms, and it’s hard not to feel a mix of bewilderment and frustration, isn’t it? The news certainly raises a lot of questions about the direction the country is heading in. When you consider the context, it feels like a direct hit to the future. This move, canceling a massive solar project, immediately brings up thoughts of China’s aggressive investment in renewable energy, a country building solar infrastructure at an astonishing rate. It makes you wonder if we’re willingly handing over the reins of the future.
Focusing on the economic realities, the immediate concern is what this means for jobs and investments.… Continue reading
Despite the White House’s pressure, Hungary will not stop importing Russian oil and gas, according to Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó. Szijjártó stated that without Russian supplies, Hungary’s energy security cannot be guaranteed due to existing infrastructure constraints. This stance aligns with former President Donald Trump’s demands that NATO allies cease buying Russian oil as a condition for further sanctions. Hungary, along with Slovakia, has resisted calls from European leaders to halt energy imports, with its prime minister, Viktor Orbán, being a close ally of Trump.
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Lithuania has fully disconnected from the Russian grid by dismantling all power lines connecting it to the Kaliningrad region, a move reported on September 18. This completed dismantling process, which began in February, reinforces Lithuania’s energy independence and integration into Europe’s power system. Six overhead transmission lines were removed, and similar operations are underway on the border with Belarus, with plans to completely dismantle all connections by mid-2027. Concurrently, Lithuania has fortified its borders with Russia and Belarus by installing concrete anti-tank obstacles.
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U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated that the U.S. would be more aggressive with sanctions against Russia if European countries stopped importing Russian oil and gas, instead sourcing American alternatives. This call aligns with a U.S.-EU trade agreement, requiring Europe to purchase $750 billion of U.S. energy resources by 2028, and would hinder Russia’s ability to fund its war effort. In response, European Commission spokesperson Anna-Kaisa Itkonen confirmed the EU’s goal to phase out Russian energy imports by 2027, emphasizing the importance of energy security and independence. Despite current pledges and proposed bans, the bloc still imports significant amounts of Russian fossil fuels, though further sanctions packages are being considered.
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Indian oil refiners continue to procure oil from Russian suppliers, prioritizing factors like price and logistics. Sources indicated that India’s strategy aligns with its role as a major energy consumer, ensuring access to affordable energy while adhering to international standards, even as the U.S. has voiced concerns. Historically, Russian oil has not been sanctioned, but rather subject to a price-cap mechanism, and India has maintained fully legitimate purchases within those established frameworks. India’s actions have contributed to global energy stability, ensuring that markets remain liquid and prices remain stable.
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Following a meeting in Vilnius, Norway pledged to help Ukraine overcome a potential one billion euro winter gas deficit resulting from Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. This support builds upon Norway’s substantial existing aid to Ukraine, totaling over $4.5 billion. The agreement addresses a shortfall in Ukrainian gas production caused by these attacks, ensuring sufficient supply for the Ukrainian population. Discussions also covered broader support for Ukraine, including air defense strengthening and bolstering drone production.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood