Published: 20:21, March 20, 2025
Zelensky confirms US interest in Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant
By Xinhua

In this handout photograph taken and released by the Ukrainian Presidential Press Service on March 15, 2025, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky attends a meeting with international leaders hosted by British Prime Minister to discuss support for Ukraine via a video call at his office in Kyiv. (HANDOUT / UKRAINIAN PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SERVICE / AFP)

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.

ALSO READ: Trump, Zelensky agree to 'partial ceasefire against energy' in Ukraine

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.

READ MORE: Zelensky appoints new army chief of staff

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.