Trump Proposes US Control Over Ukraine’s Nuclear Power Plants in Recent Call
In a notable phone conversation on Wednesday, former President Donald Trump put forth a proposal suggesting that the United States could take over the operation of Ukraine’s nuclear power facilities. This discussion occurred just one day after Trump’s dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin, amid his broader initiative to negotiate an end to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Discussion Highlights
During the call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Trump emphasized the potential benefits of U.S. oversight of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. According to statements released by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, Trump asserted, “The United States could be very helpful in running those plants with its electricity and utility expertise,” framing U.S. ownership as offering “the best protection” for Ukrainian energy resources.
However, it remains unclear which specific assets Trump envisioned for U.S. control. The discussion comes at a time when the operational status of Ukraine’s nuclear facilities is crucial, especially with the Zaporizhzhia power plant, Europe’s largest, currently under Russian occupation, alongside three other plants within Ukrainian-held territories.
Implications of Trump’s Peacemaking Efforts
As Trump aims to position himself as a peacemaker, his recent initiatives may be experiencing challenges. His efforts to broker peace talks in both Ukraine and Gaza have faced hurdles, exemplified by the collapse of a ceasefire arrangement between Israel and Hamas earlier this week and the inability to secure a comprehensive ceasefire with Putin.
During their conversation, Zelenskyy expressed support for an American proposal aimed at halting attacks on Russian energy assets—an agreement that followed a temporary truce proposed by the Russian leader.
Follow-Up Actions and Future Talks
Following the discussions, the White House indicated that negotiations regarding the cessation of strikes on energy infrastructure would precede further dialogue in Saudi Arabia, planned for the coming days. This strategy is part of a broader goal to achieve a full ceasefire in the region.
Zelenskyy characterized his conversation with Trump as a “very substantive, and frank conversation,” highlighting the possibility that stopping strikes on civilian and energy infrastructure could be pivotal in moving towards negotiations for peace.
Military Assistance and Humanitarian Considerations
During the call, Zelenskyy reiterated his request for U.S. support in the form of Patriot missile systems, to which Trump responded positively, indicating a willingness to explore available resources, particularly from European allies. Furthermore, the leaders discussed a significant prisoner exchange that had occurred earlier that day, where both Russia and Ukraine released 175 prisoners each—a gesture aimed at fostering goodwill as Trump pursues peace.
According to the U.S. account of the call, Trump expressed gratitude towards Zelenskyy for his focus on humanitarian issues, including the recent POW exchange.
Conclusion
The dialog between Trump and Zelenskyy reflects the complex interplay of international relations as the U.S. navigates its role in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. With a significant emphasis on energy security and military assistance, the outcome of these discussions may have far-reaching implications for geopolitical stability in the region.