U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated that the United States could step in to manage Ukraine’s nuclear power plants if it helps secure a ceasefire and bring peace to the war-torn country.
During a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, U.S. President Donald Trump proposed that the U.S. assist in operating—and potentially owning—Ukraine’s nuclear facilities, according to an official statement. Zelenskiy confirmed that discussions had begun regarding U.S. involvement in restoring the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europe’s largest, which has remained offline since Russian forces occupied it in 2022.
When asked about the feasibility, Wright emphasized the U.S. has "immense technical expertise" to manage the facilities remotely, negating the need for military presence. He added that Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio were actively working on a diplomatic resolution to end the war.
“How do we stop the fighting? It requires both sides to lay down arms,” Wright told Fox News. “If U.S. management of Ukraine’s nuclear plants helps achieve that goal, we are fully capable of doing so.”
However, Wright clarified that the matter was not discussed during Trump’s recent meeting with U.S. oil executives at the White House.
With Ukraine’s energy infrastructure severely impacted by the war, potential U.S. oversight of nuclear operations could mark a significant shift in post-war reconstruction and diplomacy. Discussions continue as world leaders seek solutions to stabilize the region.
