Ukraine's state-owned oil and gas company Naftogaz Group has entered into an agreement with SOCAR Energy Ukraine to import Azerbaijani natural gas.

This agreement would for the first time see a test shipment of gas being delivered via the Transbalkan route, which runs through the corridor connecting Bulgaria, Romania and Ukraine.

Naftogaz CEO Sergii Koretskyi said: “This is a small volume but strategically important step that paves the way for long-term cooperation. It is also another example of diversifying supply sources and strengthening Ukraine’s energy security.”

This development is particularly significant for Ukraine as Naftogaz, the country's main gas producer, has faced severe disruptions due to Russian missile strikes.

In April, Naftogaz Group facilities faced continuous and heavy enemy shelling. Between 2024 and 2025, 34 sites operated by Ukrgasvydobuvannya, Naftogaz's subsidiary came under attack. The most serious assault took place in February 2025, inflicting severe damage on state-owned gas production and resulting in the loss of nearly 50% of its output.

A Ukrainian industry source told Reuters that Ukraine is closely monitoring the source of its gas supplies to ensure that no Russian fuel is delivered.

"This is Azerbaijani gas, it is controlled. We will continue to develop (the cooperation)," the source said.

In April, Naftogaz secured a financial package, amounting to €410m ($466.4m), to procure one billion cubic metres of natural gas.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development facilitated the package with a €270m loan, while a €140m grant came from the Norwegian Government through the NORAD fund.

During the same month, Naftogaz and Polish energy company Orlen entered into a new agreement to deliver an extra 100 million cubic meters of natural gas to Ukraine.

This marks the third agreement between the two companies as part of their long-term collaboration framework, supporting ongoing initiatives to strengthen regional energy security.