Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has soundly rejected President Donald Trump’s proposal for U.S. ownership of Ukraine’s nuclear power plants, even though the proposal was warmly received by Russia and could assist in bringing about an end to the war. Does this guy even want the war to end?
At a glance:
• President Zelenskyy firmly rejected Trump’s suggestion for U.S. ownership of Ukrainian nuclear plants
• Zelenskyy emphasized that “all nuclear power plants belong to the people of Ukraine”
• The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Station remains “temporarily occupied” by Russian forces
• Trump proposed American ownership as a security measure during a recent call with Zelenskyy
• While rejecting ownership transfers, Ukraine remains open to U.S. help with modernization efforts
Ukraine Stands Firm on Nuclear Sovereignty
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy swiftly shut down President Donald Trump’s suggestion that the United States should take ownership of Ukraine’s nuclear power plants, particularly the embattled Zaporizhzhia facility. The proposal came during what Trump described as a “fantastic” call between the two leaders, but was immediately met with resistance from Kyiv.
Zelenskyy made his position crystal clear, stating emphatically that “all nuclear power plants belong to the people of Ukraine” despite the Zaporizhzhia plant being “temporarily occupied” by Russian forces. The Ukrainian leader’s response highlights the deep sensitivity surrounding national sovereignty issues as the war with Russia approaches its third year.
The Trump administration framed the proposal as a security measure intended to protect critical infrastructure from ongoing Russian attacks. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have both publicly stated that American ownership would help secure Ukraine’s vulnerable energy grid from further Russian aggression. But for some reason, Zelenskyy can’t see the forest for the trees, and refuses to budge on Ukrainian control over…well, anything.
Trump’s Diplomatic Push Faces Reality Check
Trump’s proposal was reportedly part of a broader strategy to broker a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, following his recent call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The President has positioned himself as a potential peacemaker in the conflict, pledging to help Ukraine acquire more air defense equipment and locate Ukrainian children taken by Russia. But unless Ukraine plays ball – and Russia, too – then there’s only so much he can actually do.
Despite rejecting the ownership proposal, Zelenskyy acknowledged discussions with Trump focused on “how to find the solution from the situation and take the station from the Russians.” Ukraine remains open to American involvement in modernizing their nuclear facilities, but draws a firm line at transferring ownership of these strategic national assets.
Broader Peace Efforts Face Significant Hurdles
The disagreement over nuclear plant ownership comes amid a complex diplomatic landscape, with U.S. and Ukrainian officials potentially meeting for further talks in Saudi Arabia. Russia and Ukraine recently exchanged 372 prisoners as a goodwill gesture following the Trump-Putin call, but both sides continue to accuse each other of ongoing attacks.
Putin’s resistance to a full ceasefire hinges on demanding the West halt all military aid to Ukraine, a condition that many NATO allies find concerning. Trump’s approach to Putin and potential changes in U.S. security guarantees have raised alarms in Kyiv and among Western allies who worry about Ukraine’s position being weakened in any negotiated settlement.
The Zaporizhzhia plant faces serious technical challenges, particularly with its cooling system after the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam. These safety concerns add urgency to resolving the plant’s status, though Zelenskyy maintains that any solution must respect Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty over its energy infrastructure.
