KYIV, Ukraine — In a recent call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, U.S. President Donald Trump proposed that Ukraine consider transferring ownership of its power plants to the United States as a measure for ensuring long-term security, according to a statement released by the U.S. administration. During a media briefing following the call, Zelenskyy stated that the dialogue with Trump primarily centered on the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), which has been occupied by Russian forces since the onset of the conflict.
Despite still maintaining its connection to Ukraine’s energy grid without active electricity production, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant has been under Russian control, casting uncertainty over any forthcoming U.S. involvement. Situated in Ukraine’s southern Zaporizhzhia region, the plant ranks among the largest globally and is the biggest in Europe. It was seized by Russian military forces shortly after their invasion began in February 2022. Although Russia claimed to have annexed the region in late 2022, the major city of Zaporizhzhia continues to remain under Ukrainian governance. There are ongoing accusations from Ukraine regarding the deployment of Russian troops and armament within the plant, using it as a tactical base for assaults across the Dnipro River—a claim refuted by Russia, which alleges that shelling of the plant has been initiated by Ukraine.
Apart from Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine manages three operational nuclear power stations, which play a pivotal role in producing the bulk of the nation’s electricity, especially after enduring extensive assaults on its thermal and hydroelectric infrastructure by Russia. These power plants are tactically located across southern, western, and northwestern regions of Ukraine, strategically distanced from active combat zones.
During their conversation on Wednesday, as reported by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, Trump suggested to Zelenskyy the possibility of assigning ownership of Ukraine’s power infrastructure to the U.S. “American ownership of those plants could be the best protection for that infrastructure,” Trump purportedly remarked. However, Zelenskyy emphasized later that their talks were primarily focused on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear facility, underscoring that “the issue of ownership” concerning the other three power stations was not part of the discussion. “All nuclear power plants belong to the people of Ukraine,” he affirmed. Elaborating on their discussion, Zelenskyy mentioned that Trump inquired about his perspective on the future of the Zaporizhzhia plant. Responding, Zelenskyy asserted, “I told him that if it is not Ukrainian, it will not operate. It is illegal.” Although the ZNPP is under Ukrainian state ownership, Zelenskyy acknowledged a potential openness to future U.S. involvement if the condition of acquiring it from Russian control, investing, and updating it were met. He noted, “That is a separate question, an open one.”
Since the takeover by Russian forces, the conditions at the ZNPP have been deteriorating. Despite the reactors being offline, they necessitate a constant power supply and trained staff for maintaining essential cooling systems and safety protocols. Energoatom, Ukraine’s national nuclear energy company, reported that the workforce has been subjected to contracts with Russian administrators and pressure to assume Russian citizenship. Refusals have resulted in threats of abductions or coercive tactics, leading to a substantive decrease in the available skilled workforce. The plant’s cooling systems faced further uncertainty with the collapse of a dam in June 2023, which previously supplied water from its reservoir. In response, well-digging initiatives have been undertaken as indicated by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Zelenskyy has made it clear that extensive renovations are necessary before operational capabilities can be restored to the plant, which he anticipates could take a minimum of two years. The IAEA has voiced concerns over potential radiation risks due to the ongoing conflict. While the site holds significant nuclear fuel that requires continual cooling, intermittent blackouts triggered by active fighting have repeatedly threatened operations, though efforts to quickly restore power have been successful each time. According to IAEA director Rafael Grossi, their stationed experts face blocked inspection endeavors by Russian authorities, which continues to undermine safe operational protocols.
While sharing that the dialogue with Trump concerning the plant’s restoration was promising, Zelenskyy remains cautious about any tangible progress as long as Russian military presence impedes. Controlling both the plant and surrounding territory remains a multifaceted challenge, entangled in broader territorial disputes marked by strategic geographical separations by the Dnipro River and expansive terrain. “Simply handing over the plant while everything within a meter of it remains occupied or armed by Russia — no one will work under such conditions,” Zelenskyy poignantly stated after the talks with Trump. “It’s impossible.” He concluded that operating under such circumstances is untenable, “That would mean that the plant could start operating tomorrow, only to be blown up by the Russians the following day.”
