In a surprising move, President Donald Trump has floated the idea of the United States taking control of Ukraine’s nuclear power plants, citing the need for “the best protection” for the war-torn country’s energy infrastructure. The proposal, discussed during a recent call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, has sparked debate over its feasibility, legality, and potential implications for U.S.-Ukraine relations.
The White House, in a statement following the call, suggested that American ownership of Ukraine’s nuclear facilities would provide critical security and operational expertise.
“The United States could be very helpful in running those plants with its electricity and utility expertise,” the statement read. “American ownership of those plants would be the best protection for that infrastructure and support for Ukrainian energy independence.”
However, the proposal faces significant challenges, including Ukrainian laws prohibiting the privatization of nuclear assets and the political sensitivity of transferring control of critical infrastructure to a foreign power.
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What’s Behind the Proposal?
Ukraine’s nuclear power plants, particularly the Zaporizhzhia facility—Europe’s largest—have been central to the country’s energy grid, supplying up to two-thirds of its electricity. Despite Russia’s relentless attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, nuclear plants have largely been spared, likely due to the risk of triggering a radiological disaster.
The Zaporizhzhia plant, however, has been under Russian control since March 2022 and is no longer operational. Its six reactors, though shut down, require constant power and cooling to prevent a meltdown, raising concerns about safety amid ongoing fighting and damaged infrastructure.
For the U.S., the proposal could align with broader economic and strategic interests. American nuclear technology company Westinghouse has already partnered with Ukraine’s state-owned Energoatom to build new reactors and modernize existing facilities. A U.S. takeover of the Zaporizhzhia plant, in particular, could safeguard Westinghouse’s intellectual property and expand its market share in a region historically dominated by Russia’s Rosatom.
“Westinghouse would definitely benefit from a return of the plant to Ukrainian hands,” said Andrian Prokip, an energy expert at the Kennan Institute in Washington.
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Legal and Political Hurdles
Ukraine’s laws currently prohibit the privatization of its nuclear assets, and any move to amend these laws would likely face fierce opposition.
“I expect there would be great resistance to this idea in Ukraine,” said Victoria Voytsitska, a former Ukrainian lawmaker and energy committee member. “From both sides of the political spectrum.”
President Zelensky, while describing his discussions with Trump as “positive steps,” acknowledged the complexities involved.
“I’m not sure we will get a result quickly,” he said at a news conference, emphasizing that the Zaporizhzhia plant “is ours and it’s our land.”
Even if legal barriers were overcome, operational challenges remain. Restoring the Zaporizhzhia plant to working condition could take up to two and a half years, according to Zelensky, and would require significant investment and technical expertise.
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A Strategic Gamble: Risks and Rewards for U.S.-Ukraine Relations
The proposal underscores Trump’s long-standing belief that U.S. economic involvement in Ukraine serves as a security guarantee, deterring Russian aggression. However, critics argue that such a move could strain U.S.-Ukraine relations and complicate efforts to support Kyiv’s energy independence.
“This idea raises more questions than answers,” said Olga Kosharna, a Ukrainian nuclear safety expert. “Who would bear the costs? How would safety be ensured? And what happens if Russia refuses to relinquish control of Zaporizhzhia?”
As Ukraine continues to navigate the challenges of war and energy security, the proposal raises critical questions about the balance between foreign assistance and national sovereignty. For now, the idea remains a contentious topic of discussion—one that could reshape Ukraine’s energy landscape, but only if both sides can address the significant legal, political, and operational hurdles in their path. Many in Ukraine view the potential transfer of control over critical infrastructure as a threat to their independence, underscoring the complexity of such a move during an ongoing conflict.
