Zelenskyy and Trump Discuss Possible US Role in Restoring Occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he discussed with US President Donald Trump on March 20, the possibility of US assistance in restoring the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.

Russian forces seized the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant— Europe’s largest nuclear power plant —in March 2022.

Speaking during a Zoom briefing, Zelenskyy noted that simply de-occupying the plant would not be enough and that infrastructure must be rebuilt.

“Water supply, technical personnel, and many more steps to ensure that in one and a half to two and a half years the station starts bringing money and electricity to people. This is my vision,” Zelenskyy said.

He added that Trump asked whether the United States could help restore the plant.

“Yes, if it can be modernized, invest money. This can be discussed, but we only talked about one station,” Zelenskyy said.

The US confirmed that during the March 19 conversation between Zelenskyy and Trump, the topic of Ukrainian nuclear plants and potential US involvement in their management was raised.

Ukrainian staff still operate the Nuclear Plant while under Russian control, though the International Atomic Energy Agency warns of ongoing shelling, limited inspections, and unsafe working conditions.

Earlier, the European Union presented the White Paper on European Defense — Readiness 2030, outlining plans to strengthen defense capabilities and address security challenges.