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 covering energy facilities and infrastructure.
Trump made the offer during a call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday.
“American ownership of those plants would be the best protection for that infrastructure and support for Ukrainian energy infrastructure,” national security adviser Mike Waltz and Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a joint statement following the call.
“He said that the United States could be very helpful in running those plants with its electricity and utility expertise,” they added.
Trump’s push for control of Ukraine’s nuclear power plants is reportedly linked to his support for a minerals deal with Ukraine as repayment for American military assistance. The president shelved the deal with Ukraine following an explosive Oval Office meeting late last month. And while Zelensky’s overtures have helped repair U.S. relations that ruptured in the fallout, the minerals deal is currently stalled.
The New York Times reported Tuesday that Trump views control of Ukraine’s nuclear power plant in Zaporizhzhia as important in building out extraction of the war-torn nation’s critical minerals. The power plant is occupied by Russian forces and is on the front line of fighting in the southeastern region of Ukraine.