Zelensky turns to Africa to solve Ukraine’s energy crisis

Ukraine is seeking to import liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Mozambique as it grapples with severe energy shortages caused by relentless Russian attacks on its production infrastructure.

President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed Kyiv’s interest on Monday, after meeting with Mozambique’s President Daniel Chapo.

Prior to the full-scale invasion, Ukraine met almost all of its gas needs through domestic production.

However, Russian strikes have significantly impacted this, leading to a loss of about half its gas output, according to Central Bank Governor Andriy Pyshnyi.

These attacks intensified last autumn, targeting crucial gas facilities in frontline regions across northeast and central Ukraine.

Speaking on the Telegram messaging app, Mr Zelensky suggested Kyiv could offer support to the southern African nation, which is battling an Islamist insurgency, in countering its security challenges.

He stated: “Ukraine is interested in additional energy supplies. Mozambique is interested in Ukraine’s experience and technologies to strengthen its internal security and protect people from terror.” No specific volumes of gas or details of any potential deal were provided.

Mozambique is a major African gas producer. In January, the country and TotalEnergies announced the relaunch of a significant LNG project, which had previously been halted by the insurgency, positioning it as a potential key supplier.

With capacity to produce 13 million metric tons of LNG annually, the project is expected to make Mozambique a major gas exporter.

Ukraine has not imported Russian gas since 2015.

In recent years, Kyiv has also been expanding its LNG, establishing supplies of US LNG from terminals in Poland and the Baltic countries.

Ukraine also imports US LNG via so-called Vertical Corridor of pipelines from Greece.

European AGSI official energy data showed last week that Ukraine had begun storing gas in its underground facilities in preparation for the next heating season.