Ukraine Begins Azerbaijani Gas Imports via Trans-Balkan Pipeline
Ukraine has launched its first-ever imports of Azerbaijani natural gas, signaling a new stage in the country’s strategy to diversify energy supplies and enhance resilience ahead of the winter heating season,
The Gaze reports this, citing Naftogaz's announcement.
State energy giant Naftogaz signed its inaugural supply agreement with SOCAR Energy Ukraine, a subsidiary of Azerbaijan’s state-owned oil and gas company SOCAR.
The first test delivery was carried out through the Trans-Balkan corridor along the route Bulgaria – Romania – Ukraine.
“This is a small step in terms of volume, but a strategically important one that paves the way for long-term cooperation. It is also another example of diversifying supply sources and strengthening Ukraine’s energy security,” said Naftogaz CEO Serhii Koretskyi.
Energy Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk noted that the Trans-Balkan pipeline unlocks access to multiple energy sources: LNG shipments arriving at Greek and Turkish terminals, Azerbaijani gas transported via the TAP pipeline, as well as potential offshore production from Romania and Bulgaria.
The move comes as Ukraine faces the risk of winter fuel shortages due to Russia’s large-scale strikes on gas storage sites and extraction infrastructure.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy previously warned that such attacks could cause a critical shortfall of natural gas.
Russian forces have attacked 34 facilities of Ukrgazvydobuvannya between 2024 and 2025, with February 2025 strikes alone reducing domestic gas production by almost 50%.
As The Gaze reported earlier, Baku is expected to further distance itself from Moscow while strengthening its ties with Ankara, according to political expert Ruben Megrabyan.