• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky firmly opposed President Trump's proposal for U.S. ownership of Ukraine's nuclear power plants, particularly the Zaporizhzhia facility.
• The U.S. suggests that American control could bolster Ukraine's energy infrastructure against Russian threats, but Zelensky insists all nuclear assets belong to Ukraine.
• During discussions, Zelensky indicated that the only plant on the table was Zaporizhzhia, currently under Russian military control, emphasizing the need for regaining full Ukrainian sovereignty over it.
• Experts express mixed opinions on the feasibility of U.S. ownership, with many highlighting operational challenges and legal implications.

In recent discussions, President Trump proposed that the United States could take control of Ukraine's major nuclear power plants, a notion that surprised many in Kyiv. Zelensky, addressing the media, responded to Trump's suggestions, stating that ownership and control of all of Ukraine's nuclear infrastructure legitimately rests with the Ukrainian people. "We will not discuss it," he asserted, highlighting the critical aspect of Ukrainian sovereignty over these facilities, which include the Zaporizhzhia plant currently occupied by Russian forces.

Trump's assertion that “American ownership would be the best protection” for Ukraine’s energy assets has sparked debate among Ukrainian officials and energy analysts (The Hill). Zelensky clarified in a recent press conference that discussions had been primarily focused on the Zaporizhzhia plant and not on a broader transfer of ownership regarding all nuclear facilities. He mentioned that if the U.S. were to assist in modernizing the plant after its return, that could be a topic for future negotiations, but under current circumstances, direct U.S. ownership is off the table.

The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europe’s largest, has been strategically important and is under Russian control since early in the conflict. The site has been non-operational, with its reactors in cold shutdown. Zelensky noted that discussions around re-establishing its functionality should occur only after full Ukrainian control is restored, which could take considerable time due to the damage suffered during the occupation (Reuters).

Analysts also pointed out the complexities of such proposals, deeming them potentially premature given the current state of the plant (India Times). The proposal might reflect a tactical approach by the U.S. to influence the situation in Ukraine, yet Zelensky remains focused on regaining control of the facility as a prerequisite for any international investments.

This unfolding situation highlights the intertwined fates of Ukraine's energy infrastructure and its ongoing conflict with Russia, posing significant challenges as both nations navigate potential resolutions amidst war.

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