Athens is under unprecedented security on Sunday as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrives in the Greek capital, chosen as the first stop of his new European tour. His visit comes at a critical moment for Kyiv, with energy cooperation and defense ties dominating the agenda.
Zelensky has publicly confirmed that Ukraine and Greece are preparing a new energy agreement, aimed at securing natural gas supplies for the coming winter and strengthening Ukraine’s long-term energy resilience. He also emphasized that upcoming deals with several European partners “from Norway to Greece” will bolster Ukraine’s overall energy security.
Greece’s Expanding Role in Europe’s Energy Map
Greece has increasingly become a key player in regional energy networks, thanks to major gas corridors and its cooperation with the United States in LNG supply. A bilateral energy agreement with Ukraine is expected to further enhance Greece’s role as a distribution hub for Central and Eastern Europe at a time when Kyiv is seeking deeper European alliances.
The President’s Schedule in Athens
According to available information—kept deliberately flexible for security reasons—Zelensky is expected to land in Athens shortly after midday. His first stop will be the Presidential Mansion, followed by a meeting with the prime minister at the Maximos Mansion. Later in the afternoon, he will visit Parliament before returning to Kyiv.
Following his Athens visit, Zelensky is set to travel to Paris on Monday and Madrid on Tuesday.
Strict Ban on Public Gatherings
Ahead of the visit, Greek police announced a sweeping ban on all public outdoor gatherings from 06:00 to 22:00 on Sunday across much of central Athens and parts of the northern suburbs, including Filothei–Psychiko and Chalandri.
The restricted zones include key avenues and areas surrounding major landmarks such as Syntagma Square, Lykavittos Hill, and critical road networks in northern Athens. Authorities say the decision is necessary due to a “serious risk to public safety” and concerns over potential criminal activity that could disrupt the social and economic life of the affected districts.
