Trump floats US takeover of Ukraine nuclear plants

Donald Trump has proposed that the United States could own and operate Ukraine’s nuclear power plants as part of his latest effort to broker a ceasefire in Russia’s invasion. The offer comes as around 30 military chiefs from various countries prepare to meet in Britain to discuss a potential peacekeeping force for Ukraine. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron have expressed willingness to deploy troops, with the UK government stating that a “significant number” of nations are prepared to do the same, though the exact count remains unclear.

Following a call with Trump on Wednesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Kyiv was “ready” to pause attacks on Russia’s energy network and infrastructure. This announcement came a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to halt similar strikes on Ukraine. Zelensky also confirmed discussions with Trump regarding the proposed U.S. management of a nuclear plant, specifically referring to the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia facility. He emphasized that he had “not felt any pressure” from Trump to make concessions to Russia.

Trump’s tone after the conversation with Zelensky was notably positive, with the White House describing the call as “fantastic,” despite their recent televised dispute in the Oval Office. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Trump had discussed Ukraine’s electrical supply and nuclear power plants, asserting that U.S. ownership would provide the best protection for these facilities. Additionally, Trump pledged to help Kyiv obtain more air defense equipment from Europe and assist in locating Ukrainian children allegedly abducted by Russia.

Efforts toward a full truce remain uncertain, as Putin insists that the West must first halt all military aid to Ukraine before any broader ceasefire can be reached. The Kremlin also demands that Ukraine must not be allowed to re-arm and must end mandatory mobilization. Moscow and Washington have even presented conflicting accounts of the Trump-Putin call—Russia claims they only discussed halting attacks on power plants, while the White House asserts that talks covered energy and other civilian infrastructure.

Despite ongoing tensions, Russia and Ukraine exchanged 372 prisoners on Wednesday in a goodwill gesture following Trump’s call with Putin. However, hostilities persist, with both sides accusing each other of continuing attacks. Moscow reported that it had destroyed 132 Ukrainian drones in multiple regions overnight, while Ukrainian emergency services stated that a Russian drone attack in Kropyvnytsky wounded eight people, including a child.

Trump remains optimistic about a potential ceasefire, stating on his Truth Social platform that negotiations are “very much on track.” He also mentioned that Ukrainian and U.S. officials could meet in Saudi Arabia in the coming days for further discussions, coinciding with planned meetings between Russian and American teams. Meanwhile, concerns about Trump’s overtures to Putin and Washington’s shifting stance on European security have unsettled Kyiv and NATO allies.

Public reactions remain divided. In Kyiv, 32-year-old resident Lev Sholoudko voiced deep skepticism about Putin, stating, “I don’t believe Putin at all, not a single word. He only understands force.” In contrast, some in Moscow view the talks as an opportunity for Russia’s advantage. “Definitely, this is in our favor,” said 46-year-old Moscow resident Larisa, adding, “There is no other way. What happened in 1945 will happen now,” referring to the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany.