Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed on Wednesday that he and US President Donald Trump had discussed the possibility of the United States owning and managing the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which has been under Russian occupation since early in the invasion of Ukraine.
Speaking during a briefing while on an official visit to Finland, Zelensky clarified that the conversation focused solely on the Zaporizhzhia plant, Europe’s largest nuclear facility. He emphasised the plant’s importance for both Ukraine and Europe, noting that its restoration could take over two years.
“Do we need it? For people, yes, and for Europe, too. To join the European electronic network — absolutely. We can do all this,” Zelensky stated, reinforcing its vital role in stabilizing energy needs in the region.
Trump’s proposal to have the US take control of the occupied plant comes as part of his broader initiative to push for a ceasefire in the ongoing war. Zelensky, however, indicated there was no pressure from the US president during their discussions. “I want to be frank, very frank. Today I did not feel any pressure from Trump, there was none. And this is a fact. You know that I am an open person. If it was, I would have told you frankly.”
Zelensky also discussed the broader geopolitical situation, expressing doubt that Russian President Vladimir Putin would agree to any ceasefire as long as Ukraine continued its operations in the Kursk region, which remains a focal point of military tension.
While Zelensky had earlier backed a US-led proposal for an unconditional ceasefire, the Russian government rejected this, proposing instead a halt to strikes on energy infrastructure.
During the press briefing, Zelensky shared that he communicates regularly with French President Emmanuel Macron, with whom he had just spoken. He also confirmed that Ukraine had recently received additional F-16 fighter jets, though he withheld details on the number or the country of origin.
