Will U.S. Take Over Ukranian Power Plants? Trump Presents Interesting Proposition to Zelensky

In a surprising development, President Donald Trump suggested during a Wednesday call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that the United States take ownership of Ukraine’s power plants to bolster their security amid ongoing regional tensions.

The proposal, detailed in a White House statement from Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, underscores Trump’s push to leverage American expertise in electricity and utilities to safeguard Ukraine’s critical infrastructure.

Trump argued that “American ownership of those plants could be the best protection for that infrastructure,” highlighting the vulnerability of Ukraine’s energy sector, which has faced repeated attacks during the war with Russia. The suggestion comes as Ukraine navigates complex ceasefire talks and the strategic importance of facilities like the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant looms large. Trump framed the move as a way for the US to play a “very helpful” role in managing these assets, potentially offsetting billions in aid provided to Kyiv.

While Zelenskyy’s response remains undisclosed, the proposal raises questions about sovereignty and economic implications for Ukraine, a nation rich in resources like rare earth minerals. Trump’s administration has previously eyed such assets as a bargaining chip in negotiations. Analysts suggest this could signal a broader US strategy to secure influence over Ukraine’s energy future. As of now, no agreement has been confirmed, leaving the fate of this bold idea uncertain amid an already fraught geopolitical landscape.