Trump Suggests US Take Control of Ukrainian Power Plants in Latest Peace Initiative

In the ongoing diplomatic push to end the three-year Ukraine-Russia conflict, US President Donald Trump has proposed American ownership and operation of Ukraine’s power plants, marking a significant new approach to safeguarding critical infrastructure amid peace negotiations. During what both leaders described as a positive conversation, Trump discussed this unconventional proposal with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during their hour-long phone call on Wednesday.

A “Very Good” Conversation After Previous Tensions

The call, which Trump characterized as “very good” and Zelensky described as “positive,” “frank,” and “very substantive,” represents a notable improvement in relations following their tense Oval Office meeting last month10. During that earlier encounter, Trump had criticized Zelensky for insufficient appreciation of US military and political assistance, suggesting he was “gambling with World War”10. That meeting resulted in a temporary suspension of US military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine.

“We are confident together with Trump, under American leadership, we can achieve lasting peace this year,” Zelensky stated on social media following their recent conversation10.

The Power Plant Proposal

According to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump and Zelensky discussed “US involvement in Ukraine’s electrical and nuclear plants,” with Trump suggesting that “the United States could significantly aid in managing those plants due to its expertise in electricity and utilities”10. The White House statement added that “American ownership of those plants would provide optimal protection for that infrastructure and bolster Ukrainian energy systems”10.

However, Zelensky later clarified that their discussion specifically addressed the Zaporizhzhia nuclear facility, Europe’s largest nuclear power plant, which has been under Russian occupation since March 2022 6 13.

Strategic Significance of Ukraine’s Energy Infrastructure

The proposal comes at a critical juncture as Ukraine’s energy sector has been devastated by Russian attacks. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022, targeting Ukraine’s electricity production, transmission, and distribution network has been a key element of Moscow’s military strategy9.

The Zaporizhzhia plant previously accounted for half of Ukraine’s nuclear output and one-fifth of its overall electricity generation before being disconnected from the energy grid9. Nuclear power now generates approximately two-thirds of Ukraine’s electricity, making these facilities vital to the nation’s survival during the conflict13.

A Complex Path Forward

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright endorsed the concept, emphasizing America’s technical expertise: “We have immense technical expertise in the United States to run those plants. I don’t think that requires boots on the ground”6.

Implementation of such a plan faces significant challenges. All of Ukraine’s nuclear power plants are owned by Energoatom, the state entity, and Ukrainian legislation prohibits their privatization13. Changing these laws would likely provoke substantial political resistance. As former Ukrainian parliament member Victoria Voytsitska noted, “I anticipate significant opposition to this concept in Ukraine from all political factions”13.

Zelensky himself acknowledged the complexity, stating that if Russia were to return the Zaporizhzhia plant, “simply transferring the plant” to the United States would not be feasible, as “it belongs to us and is our territory”13.

Partial Ceasefire Negotiations

The call was part of broader ceasefire discussions initiated by Trump. During his conversation with Putin on Tuesday, the Russian president agreed to halt attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure but rejected a comprehensive 30-day ceasefire plan that Ukraine had supported10 5.

In response, Zelensky indicated his willingness to consider a partial ceasefire focused on energy infrastructure, railways, and port facilities. However, he cautioned that Ukraine would respond if Moscow violated the terms6 10.

“I recognize that until we reach an agreement with Russia and have a formal document regarding even a partial ceasefire, I think everything will escalate,” Zelensky remarked, alluding to ongoing drone and missile strikes10.

International Peacekeeping Plans Emerge

As these bilateral discussions progress, the international community is mobilizing to support potential ceasefire arrangements. Senior military officers from approximately 20 countries are meeting in London to discuss peacekeeping options for any future Ukraine ceasefire8.

This international “reassurance” force would focus on providing Ukraine with air cover to maintain safe skies and establishing a naval presence in the Black Sea to encourage trade8. Such international support could prove crucial in maintaining any ceasefire agreement that might emerge from current negotiations.

Next Steps in Peace Process

Technical teams from Ukraine and the US are expected to reconvene in Saudi Arabia soon to continue discussions10. Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff has indicated that another round of talks between Russian and US officials aimed at securing a permanent ceasefire will take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Sunday6.

Whether this latest diplomatic effort will yield meaningful progress remains uncertain. However, the involvement of the US in Ukraine’s energy sector, particularly its nuclear infrastructure, represents a novel approach that could reshape both the conflict’s trajectory and post-war reconstruction efforts.

As the international community watches these developments closely, the complex intersection of energy security, national sovereignty, and peace negotiations continues to define one of the most consequential geopolitical challenges of our time.