President Donald Trump suggested during a phone call with President Volodymyr Zelensky that the United States should take over Ukraine’s nuclear power plants. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz confirmed that Trump discussed Ukraine’s electrical supply and nuclear power plants in the call summary.
Trump proposed that the United States could use its expertise in electricity and utilities to run the plants, with the belief that US ownership would provide the best protection for Ukrainian energy infrastructure. Zelensky’s office stated that Ukraine would agree to a 30-day halt on targeting Russia’s energy infrastructure, a move supported by Putin.
Although no specific nuclear facilities were mentioned, Zelensky later revealed that the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant was discussed, which is currently under Russian control. Ukraine still holds three other nuclear power facilities. Zelensky indicated that the fate of Zaporizhzhia would depend on Ukraine regaining control and restoring normal operations.
While Trump described the talks with Zelensky as positive and peace talks being on track, Zelensky quickly rejected the idea of US ownership of Ukraine’s nuclear power plants. He also has not agreed to the controversial minerals deal that was previously discussed.
The US and Ukraine delegations are set to meet in Saudi Arabia, alongside US-Russia delegations, to further discussions. The US has committed to sharing defensive intelligence with Ukraine and assisting with Zelensky’s request for additional air defenses.
One observer questioned the shift in focus from Rare Earth Metals to Ukrainian Nuclear Power Plants, wondering how this would benefit Ukraine. The situation remains fluid as discussions continue between the involved parties.