Donald Trump has proposed taking ownership of Ukraine’s power plants to safeguard the country from further Russian attacks. Tammy Bruce, a spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, suggested that U.S. control over Ukraine’s energy infrastructure could provide protection against Russian aggression.
She stated, “It is likely beneficial to have an economic relationship with a nation that has demonstrated the ability to protect itself and its allies.”
Bruce added, “When you have experienced individuals managing your infrastructure, it not only supports the economic framework but also enhances security.”
Earlier this evening, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Trump made the offer during a call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
In their first conversation since their Oval Office dispute, Trump suggested U.S. ownership of Ukraine’s electrical and nuclear power plants, arguing that American management “would be the best protection.”
Trump stated, “The United States could provide significant expertise in operating these plants through its knowledge of electricity and utilities.”
During the hour-long call, which the White House described as “fantastic,” Zelensky requested additional Patriot missile defense systems, which have been crucial in shielding Ukraine’s infrastructure from Russian missile attacks.
Trump agreed to assist, offering to secure available systems from Europe, according to a White House statement.
So far, only Germany has responded, offering a single Patriot missile battery in response to Ukraine’s latest appeal.
The discussion is expected to frustrate Russian President Vladimir Putin, who, during his recent call with Trump, demanded an end to military aid and intelligence sharing with Kyiv.
Not only did Trump reaffirm U.S. military support for Ukraine, but Leavitt also confirmed that “defensive intelligence sharing with Ukraine will continue.”
In a further slight to Putin, who had proposed a U.S.-Russia ice hockey match as a diplomatic gesture, Leavitt remarked, “We are more focused on securing a peace deal than scheduling hockey games.”
The U.S. has yet to offer a definitive security arrangement to end the war but has proposed a mineral deal granting American access to rare earth minerals worth $300 billion. Taking control of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure would be a significant step toward stabilizing the region without direct military intervention.
Ukraine operates four nuclear power plants with a total of 15 reactors, including Zaporizhzhia, which has been under Russian control since 2022.
Due to ongoing Russian attacks, Ukraine’s energy capacity is currently about one-third of its pre-war levels. American companies could benefit from reconstructing and managing these power plants, and while financial specifics were not discussed in the call, U.S. ownership could yield quicker returns than the proposed minerals deal.
This move could, however, lead to Ukraine losing control over its nuclear infrastructure. While Ukraine renounced nuclear weapons three decades ago, a November report by a Ukrainian think tank indicated that the country could potentially develop a crude nuclear device “within months” using plutonium extracted from spent fuel at its power plants.
‘Ukrainians Want Peace’
On March 19, Zelensky described his conversation with Trump as “positive, substantive, and frank.”
“I thanked President Trump and the American people for their support. I emphasized that Ukrainians want peace, which is why Ukraine accepted the proposal for an unconditional ceasefire,” he said.
The two leaders also discussed Ukrainian children who have gone missing during the war, including those who have been abducted. The White House stated, “President Trump pledged to work closely with both parties to help ensure the return of these children.”
A statement from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz noted that Zelensky expressed gratitude to Trump on four separate occasions. This followed an exchange where U.S. Senator JD Vance asked Zelensky, “Have you said thank you once during this entire meeting?” after a tense interaction with the U.S. Vice President.
Yesterday, Zelensky stressed that an important step toward ending the war would be halting attacks on energy and civilian infrastructure. “Ukraine has confirmed its readiness to implement this step,” he said. However, on Wednesday morning, he accused Putin of violating the agreement after Russian drones targeted Ukrainian infrastructure. In response, Moscow claimed Ukraine had struck an oil depot in southern Russia.
Zelensky stated, “If the Russians cease attacking our facilities, we will certainly not strike theirs.”
Despite ongoing hostilities, a prisoner swap went ahead, with each side exchanging 175 troops. Additionally, Russia released 22 wounded Ukrainian soldiers as a goodwill gesture.
Zelensky announced that Ukrainian and American teams are set to meet in Saudi Arabia in the coming days to continue peace discussions. A Russian delegation is also expected to meet with U.S. officials in Jeddah on Sunday.
On March 20, military leaders from more than 30 countries will convene in London to discuss the possibility of deploying a peacekeeping force should a ceasefire be agreed upon.
Late Wednesday, Russia launched “massive” airstrikes on the frontline city of Kupiansk.
“The enemy is conducting large-scale airstrikes on Kupiansk,” the regional governor reported. “Critical infrastructure has been damaged, and fires have broken out at civilian sites.”
Authorities are currently assessing potential casualties.
Comments
Post a Comment