President Trump Suggests American Takeover of Ukrainian Nuclear Power Plants

On Tuesday, President Donald Trump offered to let the United States take control of nuclear power plants in the war-torn country of Ukraine in order to serve as a deterrent against ongoing attacks by Russian forces.

According to The Hill, President Trump made the offer during a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, amid ongoing efforts to negotiate a ceasefire between the two warring countries.

“American ownership of those plants would be the best protection for that infrastructure and support for Ukrainian energy infrastructure,” said National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a joint statement after the call between the two leaders. “He said that the United States could be very helpful in running those plants with its electricity and utility expertise.”

The offer comes after a previous attempt at an energy deal regarding Ukrainian minerals stalled as a result of the viral confrontation between President Trump and Zelensky, along with Vice President J.D. Vance, in the Oval Office in February. Vice President Vance criticized Zelensky for being ungrateful to the United States and instead constantly demanding more aid, to which Zelensky said that if the U.S. did not aid Ukraine, it would “feel” the effects of war. President Trump responded by telling Zelensky he had no right to make such a threat, and told him that he didn’t have any standing to make such demands any longer.

Following the argument, Zelensky and his entourage were ordered to leave the White House, leaving the minerals deal unsigned. However, in the days following the incident, Ukrainian officials signaled a willingness to return to the table and sign the minerals deal anyway. Zelensky has since resumed peace negotiations mediated by President Trump.

In a statement shortly after the phone call, Zelensky issued his own statement saying that “we agreed that Ukraine and the United States should continue working together to achieve a real end to the war and lasting peace.”

“We believe that together with America, with President Trump, and under American leadership, lasting peace can be achieved this year,” Zelensky declared.