Ukraine turns to Mozambique gas after strikes

Keypoints:

Ukraine gas output cut by half after strikes
Mozambique LNG emerges as new supply option
Africa’s role in Europe’s energy shift grows

UKRAINE is urgently exploring liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports from Mozambique after Russian attacks slashed its domestic gas production by roughly half, according to reporting by UK newpaper The Independent.

President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed discussions with Mozambique’s President Daniel Chapo, signalling Kyiv’s growing interest in African energy markets as it seeks to stabilise supply ahead of future winter demand cycles.

The talks underscore Ukraine’s deepening energy crisis and a broader geopolitical shift, as African gas producers—particularly Mozambique—gain prominence in global supply chains while Europe and its allies accelerate efforts to reduce reliance on Russian energy.

War damage forces urgent rethink

Ukraine’s energy position has deteriorated sharply under sustained Russian strikes targeting critical infrastructure.

Before the full-scale invasion, the country was largely self-sufficient in gas. That advantage has eroded, with production losses now estimated at around 50 percent, forcing Kyiv to rapidly diversify supply sources.

Officials say the attacks intensified in late 2025, compounding pressure on reserves and raising concerns about long-term energy resilience.

To close the gap, Ukraine has expanded LNG imports via European terminals, including routes through Poland and the Baltic region. The Mozambique option would add a new, non-European supply channel.

Mozambique’s LNG potential draws attention

Mozambique is emerging as a strategic energy partner due to its vast offshore gas reserves and expanding LNG capacity.

Major projects in the country’s northern Cabo Delgado region—backed by international energy firms—are expected to produce up to 13 million tonnes of LNG annually once fully operational, following developments such as Mozambique’s $20bn LNG project restart.

For Ukraine, access to even a fraction of that output could provide a critical buffer against continued disruptions at home.

Security risks shadow energy ambitions

However, Mozambique’s energy promise is not without risk.

The Cabo Delgado region, where much of the gas infrastructure is located, has been affected by an Islamist insurgency that has disrupted projects and delayed production timelines in recent years. According to Reuters, the restart of major LNG operations has only recently resumed after years of delays linked to insecurity.

Zelensky indicated Ukraine could support Mozambique in addressing these security challenges, offering ‘experience and technologies’ to help protect infrastructure and civilian populations, according to The Independent.

This suggests the emerging partnership may extend beyond energy into security cooperation, aligning strategic interests on both sides.

Diversification away from Russian supply

Ukraine has not imported Russian gas since 2015, but the war has intensified the urgency of finding reliable alternatives.

LNG imports from the United States and other suppliers have helped stabilise the system, yet vulnerabilities remain—particularly as infrastructure attacks continue.

Mozambique’s potential entry into Ukraine’s supply mix would further diversify sourcing, reducing reliance on European transit routes and strengthening long-term resilience.

Africa’s rising role in global energy

The discussions highlight Africa’s growing influence in global energy markets.

Countries such as Mozambique, Nigeria and Algeria are increasingly positioned as key suppliers in a post-Russia energy landscape, reshaping trade flows and geopolitical alignments. As reported by Al Jazeera, renewed investment in Mozambique’s LNG sector reflects broader global demand for alternative gas sources.

For Mozambique, deeper engagement with Ukraine could expand its export footprint beyond traditional markets. For Kyiv, it represents a strategic pivot towards emerging energy hubs at a critical moment.