Zelensky confirms US interest in Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant

KIEV -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he discussed US involvement in restoring the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant during a recent phone call with US President Donald Trump, Interfax-Ukraine reported Thursday.

Zelensky said Kiev is open to US participation in restoring the plant. He emphasized the need for proper infrastructure, water supply and technical personnel to ensure the plant becomes operational and profitable within two years.

He accused Russian forces, who control the plant, of creating operational difficulties and estimated that restoring it to normal conditions would take at least two years.

According to the White House, Trump expressed US willingness to assist in managing Ukraine's nuclear power plants, citing American expertise in electricity and utilities.

The White House statement also suggested that "American ownership of those plants would be the best protection for that infrastructure and support for Ukrainian energy infrastructure."

The Zaporizhzhia plant, one of Europe's largest nuclear facilities, has been under Russian control since March 2022.