Zelensky says discussed with Trump US idea of owning occupied nuclear plant

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed on Wednesday that he had spoken with U.S. President Donald Trump about the possibility of the United States assuming ownership of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, currently under Russian occupation.

Speaking during an online briefing from Finland, Zelensky clarified that the discussion was limited to Zaporizhzhia, Europe’s largest nuclear facility, which Russian forces seized early in their 2022 invasion. The plant has remained a focal point of nuclear safety concerns ever since.

Zelensky emphasized that restoring the plant’s operations could take over two years but stressed its importance in supplying power to both Ukraine and Europe. "It is necessary for the people, and also for Europe. Integration into the European energy grid is essential, and we have the capacity to achieve this," he stated.

No Pressure from Trump on Ceasefire Talks
Since assuming office in January, Trump has pushed for a swift resolution to the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Last week, Zelensky endorsed a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal calling for an immediate and unconditional halt to hostilities, but the Kremlin rejected the terms, offering instead to limit attacks on energy infrastructure.

Zelensky suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin is unwilling to negotiate a ceasefire while Ukrainian forces continue their operations in Russia’s Kursk region. "He is not interested in a ceasefire while our troops remain active in Kursk," Zelensky explained.

Russian forces have steadily advanced in the region in recent weeks, countering Ukraine’s offensive efforts, which Kyiv had hoped to leverage in negotiations.

Amid growing concerns that the Trump administration’s diplomatic approach could pressure Ukraine into making territorial concessions, Zelensky firmly stated that he had felt no such coercion during their discussion.

"I want to be completely honest. Today, I did not experience any pressure from Trump. None at all. That is the reality," Zelensky assured reporters. "You know I am always open. If there had been pressure, I would say so openly."

His remarks follow a tense White House meeting weeks earlier, where a disagreement between the two leaders reportedly led to the Ukrainian delegation leaving ahead of schedule.

Frequent Communication with Macron, Ongoing Military Aid
During the press conference, Zelensky took a brief call from French President Emmanuel Macron, highlighting their frequent communication. "Yes, I just spoke with Emmanuel. We talk daily—sometimes multiple times a day. I will call him back after this press conference," he remarked.

Zelensky also confirmed plans to visit France next week but did not disclose further details.

As Ukraine continues to push for increased Western military assistance, Zelensky announced the recent arrival of additional F-16 fighter jets. However, he declined to specify the number or the country responsible for the delivery. "I’m not going to tell you how many," he said.

Ukraine received its first batch of U.S.-made F-16s last year, and the additional reinforcements are expected to bolster its air defense capabilities amid ongoing hostilities.

This article was reported by journalist Angelia.