Selenskyj Clarifies Discussion with Trump: Focused Solely on One Nuclear Plant

The Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, has contested the U.S. administration's account of his recent conversation with former President Donald Trump, specifically regarding discussions about nuclear power facilities in Ukraine. While Trump suggested a proposal for U.S. oversight of all four Ukrainian nuclear power plants as a form of security assurance, Zelensky clarified that their dialogue was limited to the Zaporizhzhia plant, which is currently under Russian control.

Zelensky expressed his comments in an interview with a major international newspaper, emphasizing that Ukraine's nuclear plants are critical to the country's energy production, especially as many coal power stations have been damaged by ongoing Russian military actions. Presently, Ukraine maintains control over three of its nuclear facilities, while Russia has occupied the Zaporizhzhia plant since its capture in 2022.

Regarding the possibility of Zaporizhzhia being included in future security agreements, Zelensky stated that it would depend on whether Ukraine can regain control and restore operations at the plant. He indicated that discussions with Washington have explored the possibility of the U.S. assisting in the retrieval of Zaporizhzhia from Russian forces.

The suggestion from Trump regarding U.S. control of nuclear facilities came as a surprise. In a statement issued by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, it was noted that Trump had discussed the potential for U.S. expertise in managing these plants, highlighting that such arrangements could serve as a robust protective measure for Ukraine's energy infrastructure.

The U.S. administration posited that having American oversight could enhance the security of these facilities, positioning them as a strategic asset in the broader context of Ukraine's energy needs. This proposal raises significant implications for Ukrainian energy policy and international relations, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict with Russia.

As the situation evolves, the role of nuclear power in Ukraine's energy strategy remains a focal point of both national security discussions and international diplomatic efforts.