Trump Seeks to "Take Over" Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant: Zelenskyy Stands Firm in Defending National Assets

Amid the ongoing tensions in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, every dialogue on the international political stage is closely watched. Recently, US President Trump made a highly controversial statement during a call with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy – the United States wishes to "own and operate" the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. This proposal swiftly garnered widespread attention and discussion in the international community, to which Zelenskyy responded firmly, stating unequivocally that the nuclear power plant belongs to the Ukrainian people and vowing to defend national assets.

Trump's Proposal: Background and Motivation
According to a report by Sky News, the White House issued a statement on March 19, 2025, announcing that Trump and Zelenskyy had a conversation that morning, during which they discussed Ukraine's power supply and nuclear power plant issues. Trump stated during the call that US ownership of these power stations would be the best protection for these infrastructures and a form of support for Ukraine's energy infrastructure. According to Ukrainian and Western media reports, Trump further proposed that as part of a ceasefire agreement, the United States hopes to "own and operate" the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.

Trump's proposal did not come out of the blue. The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, one of the largest in Europe, has undeniable strategic and economic value. After the Russia-Ukraine conflict escalated, Russia took control of the plant in February 2022. Since then, the nuclear power plant has been subject to multiple shelling or drone attacks, sparking international concerns about its safety. Trump may believe that by taking over the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, the United States can not only provide energy support to Ukraine but also gain more influence in international politics.

Zelenskyy's Firm Stance: Defending National Assets
Faced with Trump's proposal, Zelenskyy adopted a resolute stance. When asked whether the United States could control the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, he clearly stated that the plant must operate under Ukrainian control. "All nuclear power plants belong to the Ukrainian people," Zelenskyy said. "In Ukraine, these nuclear power plants are state-owned assets, not private property." He further emphasized that if the Americans want to take the plant from the Russians and invest in its modernization, that would be a completely different matter, but Ukraine has no intention of transferring ownership of the plant.

Zelenskyy's firm stance reflects the Ukrainian government's resolute defense of national assets. The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is not only a crucial energy infrastructure for Ukraine but also a symbol of national sovereignty and territorial integrity. In the context of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, any discussion about the ownership of the nuclear power plant touches on Ukraine's core interests. Zelenskyy's statement undoubtedly sends a clear signal to the international community: Ukraine will not relinquish control of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant under any external pressure.

International Reaction and Concerns
Trump's proposal and Zelenskyy's firm stance have swiftly attracted widespread attention and discussion in the international community. On the one hand, some believe that if the United States can take over the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, it may provide more stable energy supplies to Ukraine, thereby alleviating the country's energy crisis. However, on the other hand, more voices have expressed concerns and opposition to this proposal.

Firstly, from a legal and international relations perspective, any transfer of ownership of nuclear power plants requires complex legal procedures and international consultations. Trump's proposal clearly ignores this, attempting to solve the problem through political means, which not only violates principles of international law but may also escalate international tensions.

Secondly, from a safety perspective, the safety of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant has been a constant concern. If the United States takes over the plant, can it ensure its safe operation? Can it effectively prevent similar incidents of shelling or drone attacks from happening again? These are urgent issues that need to be addressed.

Finally, from a political perspective, Trump's proposal may also have a negative impact on the resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Ukraine believes that this is an attempt by the United States to interfere in Ukrainian internal affairs and weaken Ukrainian sovereignty, which may further intensify contradictions and differences between the two sides.

Conclusion
In summary, Trump's proposal to "own and operate" the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant has sparked widespread attention and discussion in the international community. Zelenskyy has responded firmly, stating unequivocally that the nuclear power plant belongs to the Ukrainian people and vowing to defend national assets. This incident not only reflects the complexity and sensitivity of international politics against the backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine conflict but also reminds us that in resolving international disputes and conflicts, we must fully respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries and seek solutions through peace, cooperation, and dialogue.

Moving forward, the international community should continue to closely monitor the situation at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, strengthen communication and coordination among all parties, and jointly promote a peaceful resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. At the same time, countries should also strengthen cooperation and exchanges in the field of nuclear safety to jointly maintain global nuclear safety and stability.