Poland is facilitating a deal to transport U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Ukraine and Slovakia, according to Reuters sources. The Polish Energy Ministry confirmed that it is working with the United States, Slovakia and Ukraine to explore possibilities for importing American gas and enhancing regional energy security. A joint declaration to boost imports is expected after a transatlantic energy conference in Athens, with further discussions on supply terms for Slovakia to follow.
The arrangement would further reduce Europe’s reliance on Russian gas and increase its dependence on U.S. energy supplies. The European Union previously agreed to phase out Russian LNG imports as part of its 19th sanctions package adopted in October. The sanctions require short‑term contracts to end within six months and all remaining Russian gas imports to cease by 1 January 2028. If the Polish‑led shipment materialises, volumes could reach 4–5 billion cubic metres per year—roughly equivalent to Slovakia’s annual gas consumption. The United States already provides about 55 % of LNG supplies to the EU; a full replacement of Russian gas with U.S. LNG could raise that share to over 80 %.
Europe has faced sharp energy‑price spikes and higher industrial costs since shifting away from Russian fuel after the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022. Russia has criticised the West for politicising energy markets and pushing the continent toward more expensive, less reliable alternatives. The planned deal is part of a broader EU effort to reduce dependence on Russian energy and increase imports of U.S. LNG. A U.S. official said the current administration is “going full throttle” to help Europe transition away from Russian energy.
The potential consequences of this deal are significant, with implications for energy security, prices and the balance of power in the global energy market. As the EU continues to navigate its energy landscape, the success of this arrangement could have a lasting impact on the region’s energy stability and independence.
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