Zelensky describes exchange with Trump on nuclear power plant 'ownership'
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that talks with President Trump about ownership of Ukrainian nuclear power plants focused only on the Zaporizhzhia plant, which is currently under Russian occupation.
Zelensky made his remarks during a Zoom briefing with reporters Wednesday night, responding to a question from the Financial Times.
Whether U.S. control over the plant could serve as part of a peace plan was a “question of whether we are able to recover it and recover operations,” Zelensky told the British newspaper.
The Ukrainian president said he was exploring with Trump whether “there could be an understanding that the U.S. could recover [the power plant]."
“...and the president asked, ‘What if there is an understanding that America can restore it?’” Zelensky described to reporters. “I told him [Trump]: ‘Yes, if it is possible to modernize, invest money, etc., we are ready to discuss it with you.’ But we spoke exclusively about one station that is under temporary occupation by Russia.”
Trump proposed American “ownership” of Ukraine’s electrical supply and nuclear power plants during a phone call with Zelensky on Wednesday, according to a statement by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and national security adviser Mike Waltz.
Trump said the U.S. “could be very helpful in running those plants with its electricity and utility expertise. American ownership of those plants would be the best protection for that infrastructure and support for Ukrainian energy infrastructure,” according to the readout.
The New York Times reported Tuesday that Trump views control of Ukraine’s nuclear power plant in Zaporizhzhia as important to eventually expand Ukraine's critical mineral extraction industry, part of an economic deal the U.S. is pushing on Kyiv.
The power plant is occupied by Russian forces and is on the front line of fighting in the southeastern region of Ukraine.
Russian President Vladimir Putin declared annexation of four Ukrainian regions in September 2022, including Zaporizhzhia, despite Russian forces only having limited control. Most of the world has not recognized Russia's claims.
Topics
-
Trump proposes US ownership of Ukraine’s nuclear plants
President Trump proposed a takeover of Ukrainian power plants as a form of protection, suggesting the U.S. could deter Russian attacks, amid a push for a partial ceasefire between Kyiv and Moscow ...The Hill - 1d -
Zelenskyy says no discussion with Trump over ownership of Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant – Europe live
‘All nuclear power plants belong to the people of Ukraine,’ Zelenskyy said at a press conference in Norway . Swedish prime minister Ulf Kristersson said he was “cautiously optimistic” about the ...The Guardian - 15h -
Why Trump is interested in Ukraine’s nuclear power plants
White House floats American ‘ownership’ but Zelenskyy says he only wants US help to recover Zaporizhzhia stationFinancial Times - 13h -
Trump’s Focus on Ukrainian Nuclear Plant Is Partly Linked to Minerals Deal, Officials Say
The U.S. is seeking access to Ukrainian minerals, which require extensive energy to process. The Zaporizhzhia power plant in southern Ukraine, which Russia controls, could help with that, Kyiv says.The New York Times - 2d -
Zelensky Agrees in Call With Trump to Halt Strikes on Russian Energy Targets
President Trump also floated the idea of the United States taking control of Ukrainian power plants, according to U.S. officials. The Ukrainian president said he was not pressured about the proposal.The New York Times - 1d -
Trump Wants to Take Over Ukraine’s Nuclear Plants. What Would That Mean?
The White House said taking ownership of Ukrainian plants would give them the “best protection.” The idea faces legal hurdles and operational challenges, and it’s unclear if Ukraine would agree to it.The New York Times - 13h -
Trump says he had "very good" call with Zelenskyy
During the call, Trump suggested the U.S. could take ownership of and run Ukrainian's nuclear power plants, which he said would help protect Ukraine's energy infrastructure.CBS News - 1d -
Trump says he had "very good" call with Zelenskyy
During the call, Trump suggested the U.S. could take ownership of and run Ukrainian's nuclear power plants, which he said would help protect Ukraine's energy infrastructure.CBS News - 1d -
Trump turns screws on Zelensky heading into Jeddah talks
President Trump is inflicting mounting pain on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky ahead of planned talks in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, as U.S. officials look to secure concessions Trump can bring ...The Hill - Mar. 10
More from The Hill
-
Top House Democrats urge McMahon, Trump administration to reverse decision on Department of Education
Top House Democrats urged Education Secretary Linda McMahon and the Trump administration to reverse a Thursday move to begin dismantling the Department of Education. “Students, teachers, and ...The Hill - 4h -
McMahon says Trump admin will 'do everything legally' in dismantling of Education Department
Secretary of Education Linda McMahon said Thursday President Trump is committed to using legal measures to dismantle the Department of Education. “I think he was correct in saying that we were ...The Hill - 5h -
Connolly calls for investigation into Lutnick encouraging Americans to buy Tesla stock
House Oversight and Accountability Committee ranking member Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) requested an investigation into Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick’s comments urging Americans to buy Tesla ...The Hill - 6h -
Carville blasts Democrats for focusing too much on urban voters
Democratic strategist James Carville on Thursday blasted Democrats for focusing too much on urban voters. “I think it was always the time for Democrats to campaign hard in rural areas,” Carville ...The Hill - 6h -
Lawmakers worry US will give up military command of NATO
Welcome to The Hill's Defense & NatSec newsletter {beacon} Defense &National Security Defense &National Security The Big Story Lawmakers worry US will give up military command of NATO Former ...The Hill - 6h
More in Politics
-
Top House Democrats urge McMahon, Trump administration to reverse decision on Department of Education
Top House Democrats urged Education Secretary Linda McMahon and the Trump administration to reverse a Thursday move to begin dismantling the Department of Education. “Students, teachers, and ...The Hill - 4h -
Teachers protest cuts to education funding
Teachers across the country are protesting against federal cuts in education. This comes as President Trump signed an executive order to dismantle the Department of Education. NBC News' Morgan ...NBC News - 4h -
McMahon says Trump admin will 'do everything legally' in dismantling of Education Department
Secretary of Education Linda McMahon said Thursday President Trump is committed to using legal measures to dismantle the Department of Education. “I think he was correct in saying that we were ...The Hill - 5h -
Connolly calls for investigation into Lutnick encouraging Americans to buy Tesla stock
House Oversight and Accountability Committee ranking member Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) requested an investigation into Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick’s comments urging Americans to buy Tesla ...The Hill - 6h -
Carville blasts Democrats for focusing too much on urban voters
Democratic strategist James Carville on Thursday blasted Democrats for focusing too much on urban voters. “I think it was always the time for Democrats to campaign hard in rural areas,” Carville ...The Hill - 6h