During a recent conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, US President Donald Trump suggested that the US take control of Ukrainian nuclear power plants. This initiative caused surprise and mixed reactions both in Kyiv and among international experts.
According to The New York Times, Trump expressed the view that the United States could be useful in managing Ukraine's nuclear power plants due to its experience in the energy sector. In his opinion, American ownership of the plants would be the best protection for their infrastructure and a way to ensure the stability of Ukraine's energy system.
Zelensky made it clear that Ukraine's nuclear power plants will remain state-owned and cannot be transferred to another country. At the same time, the Ukrainian president expressed interest in attracting American investment in the restoration of the Zaporizhzhia NPP, which is currently controlled by Russia.
Ukraine has one of the most powerful nuclear power systems in Europe, providing about 66% of the country's electricity. In times of war, nuclear power plants remain the most stable source of electricity, while thermal power plants are regularly subjected to missile attacks by the Russian Federation.
Before the war, Ukraine had signed a deal with the American company Westinghouse to build new nuclear reactors. After the Russian invasion, the plans expanded to include nine reactors and the development of smaller nuclear plants.
The US is particularly interested in the Zaporizhia NPP, which used American fuel and technology before the occupation. Washington is concerned that Russia could use this technology for its own purposes. In 2023, the US Department of Justice even warned Rosatom about possible legal consequences if it uses Westinghouse technology at the captured plant.
The main legal obstacle to transferring nuclear power plants under American control is Ukrainian law. All nuclear power plants belong to the state-owned enterprise Energoatom, and their privatization is prohibited.
Former MP and energy expert Viktoria Voytsitska noted that this idea will face significant political resistance in Ukraine, as control over nuclear energy is a strategic issue of national security.
In addition to the legal aspects, there are serious technical challenges. The Zaporizhzhia NPP remains under occupation, its reactors are idle, and the collapse of the Kakhovka Dam has created a cooling problem. It could take several years for the plant to resume operations.
Zelensky called the discussion of this issue with Trump a “positive step,” but warned that a quick decision should not be expected. It is currently unclear whether this proposal is just a part of political rhetoric or a real strategic intention of the United States to expand its presence in the Ukrainian energy sector.
At the same time, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said that Washington is ready to take over the management of Ukrainian nuclear power plants if it helps achieve a ceasefire. It is difficult to say whether this step is a way of economic partnership or a tough political condition for future peace negotiations.
