Zelensky Refutes Potential U.S. Ownership of Ukrainian Nuclear Plant
Following suggestions from the White House regarding potential U.S. ‘ownership’ of Ukrainian nuclear facilities, President Volodymyr Zelensky asserted Thursday that he lacks the legal authority to negotiate the transfer of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
Europe’s Largest Nuclear Plant at Center of Proposal
The Zaporizhzhia plant, Europe’s largest nuclear power facility, became a focal point of international concern after shelling incidents following Russia’s invasion, raising anxieties of a potential nuclear catastrophe. Currently under Russian military occupation and offline, the plant is central to discussions surrounding Ukraine’s energy future.
Trump’s Inquiry Sparks Debate on Plant’s Future
Former President Trump reportedly raised the prospect of U.S. ownership in a recent conversation with Zelensky, signaling a potential shift in approaches to resolve the ongoing conflict. This topic emerged during a phone call between Trump and Zelensky on Wednesday.
U.S. Officials Cite Energy Expertise as Rationale
According to a statement from Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Michael Waltz, ‘President Trump also discussed Ukraine’s electrical supply and nuclear power plants. He suggested that the United States could offer valuable assistance in managing these plants, leveraging its expertise in electricity and utility operations.’
‘American ownership of these facilities would offer optimal safeguarding for this critical infrastructure and bolster Ukraine’s energy sector,’ the statement further elaborated.
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Stalled Minerals Deal and Energy Cooperation
This potential energy partnership arose amidst delays in a separate minerals agreement, which Trump views as crucial for Ukraine’s security and as a mechanism for Kyiv to repay Washington for substantial military and financial aid.
Zelensky Affirms State Ownership, Open to Investment
‘We will not entertain discussions regarding ownership transfer. We presently operate 15 nuclear power units. These assets are unequivocally the property of our state,’ Zelensky stated during a press conference in Oslo alongside Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store.
“We have 15 nuclear power units in operation today. This all belongs to our state,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated, addressing the suggestion of U.S. ownership of Ukrainian nuclear plants
He clarified that while the nuclear plants are legally owned by the Ukrainian people, Kyiv remains receptive to U.S. investment once Ukraine regains control of the Zaporizhzhia plant, which was seized by Russian forces early in the conflict.
‘Should there be interest in reclaiming it from Russian control, in modernizing it, in investing – that constitutes a different matter, an open avenue for discussion,’ Zelensky added, indicating a willingness to explore collaborative ventures post-reclamation.
Positive Tone Amidst Proposal’s Skepticism
Trump’s proposition was conveyed during a Wednesday call with Zelensky, reportedly their first interaction since a public disagreement last month. Following the call, Trump’s disposition appeared favorable.
Significant Hurdles to Investment Return
However, a major impediment to the U.S. ownership concept is the extended timeframe anticipated for any return on investment, potentially spanning years.
Zaporizhzhia Plant’s Precarious State
The expansive Zaporizhzhia plant, under Russian occupation since the initial phase of the 2022 invasion, faces numerous challenges. All six reactors are in a state of cold shutdown, the plant has lost its primary coolant water source, and the condition of its equipment remains uncertain.
“American ownership of those plants would be the best protection for that infrastructure and support for Ukrainian energy infrastructure,” according to a U.S. government readout after the Trump-Zelensky call
Trump stated that “the United States could be very helpful in running those plants with its electricity and utility expertise,” according to a statement.
U.S. Idea as Potential Pressure Tactic
According to Ukrainian industry sources, the U.S. proposal might represent exploratory measures to assess viable strategies, as Trump aims to facilitate a lasting peace agreement to swiftly resolve the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
One source suggested that the proposal also serves to exert pressure on Russia by implying a scenario requiring them to relinquish control of the plant. The source also noted that the American use of the term ‘ownership’ was perceived as provocative.
Plant Restoration Timeline and Challenges
Zelensky has estimated a two-and-a-half-year timeframe for fully restoring the Zaporizhzhia plant, the largest of its kind in Europe.
A former senior Ukrainian official described the U.S. idea as ‘quite unusual,’ adding, ‘Anything is conceivable with the Americans, but this raises many questions. The Americans would assume ownership – on what grounds? It belongs to Ukraine. Transfer it to the USA – but on what basis? Purchase? Concession? Numerous questions arise.’
Energy Analyst Highlights Strategic Importance
Oleksandr Kharchenko, a Kyiv-based energy analyst, emphasized that restoring the plant to the Ukrainian power grid – as demanded by Kyiv – would be transformative for energy production, not only for Ukraine but also for Eastern and Central Europe.
Plant’s Pre-War Energy Contribution
Before the conflict, the station supplied 20% of Ukraine’s total power output. Ukraine had commenced large-scale electricity exports to the European Union just prior to the invasion, which were halted following Russian strikes on its infrastructure.
Russian Grid Connection Attempts Unsuccessful
Despite efforts, Russian forces have been unable to integrate the facility into the Russian power grid, and currently, it generates no electricity.
Reactor Restart and Full Operation Timelines
Kharchenko indicated that restarting even a single reactor could take up to a year, with full operational restoration potentially requiring up to four years due to extensive complications.
Water Supply Issues Hamper Restart Efforts
A significant challenge is the plant’s lost access to water from the depleted Kakhovka reservoir, following the destruction of the hydroelectric station and dam in 2023 prior to a Ukrainian counteroffensive.
The nuclear facility has since relied on a cooling pond for water, but the water level is decreasing.
Limited Reactor Restart Potential Due to Water Shortage
Engineers within Ukraine’s energy ministry assess that the water scarcity limits the potential restart to a maximum of two of the plant’s six reactors for electricity generation.
Plant’s Technical Condition Uncertain
Furthermore, even for these limited operations, a minimum of one year is estimated for restart, given the uncertain technical condition of the plant.
Ukrainian Staff Detail Restoration Plan
A plant employee, now residing in Kyiv after fleeing the occupation, informed Reuters that Ukraine has developed a comprehensive action plan for the plant’s eventual return to operation.
This staff member, requesting anonymity due to family still under occupation, stressed that simply handing over the plant by Russia would be insufficient.
The adjacent Russian-controlled thermal power plant, nearby settlements including Enerhodar, and a secure road access route to Zaporizhzhia city are also essential for a viable return, the worker explained.
Local Resident Sees Inevitable Return
Nonetheless, for residents like Olha Shyshkyna in Ukrainian-held Zaporizhzhia, the plant’s eventual return appears probable, given its current lack of utility for Russia.
“Suitcase Without a Handle”
‘For Russia, our nuclear station is like a suitcase without a handle. It’s non-operational and serves no practical purpose. But for us, it is of critical importance,’ Shyshkyna concluded.