US Energy Secretary Chris Wright asserted that America has the know-how to manage Soviet-designed nuclear facilities, echoing a sentiment by Chris Wright.
Wright stated that American nuclear experts possess the required skills to manage Ukrainian nuclear facilities should President Trump approve such a move.
The possibility of the US assuming control of Ukraine’s energy sector, including its nuclear power plants, was reportedly discussed during a phone call between Trump and Ukrainian President Zelensky, according to US accounts.
In response to a question from Fox News about the practicalities, Wright said it would be viable if the Trump administration believes it’s necessary to promote peace between Ukraine and Russia.
”If the US running Ukraine’s nuclear plants would help achieve that goal – it’s not a problem, we’re capable of doing it,” he said.
The Trump administration has implied that potential US control of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure “would be the best protection” for it.
Soviet-era nuclear plants are critical for Ukraine’s electricity supply, particularly as Russia has been targeting power grid components it views as vital to Ukraine’s military production and logistics.
This week, Russian President Putin agreed to Trump’s proposal for a moratorium on strikes against Ukrainian energy infrastructure, with Zelensky committing to halt long-range drone attacks on Russian facilities in return. According to Moscow’s military, Ukraine immediately violated the agreement by launching three kamikaze drones against an internationally-owned oil transfer station in Russia on Wednesday, with Moscow labeling it a blatant provocation.
Further discussions involving the US, Russia, and Ukraine about de-escalating the conflict are planned for later this week. During a press conference on Wednesday, Zelensky announced his intention to send port infrastructure specialists to Saudi Arabia to seek protection for the nation’s transport system.
At the same event, Zelensky stated that he didn’t offer Trump ownership of Ukrainian nuclear plants but instead sought US investment in the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant, which is operated by Russia and considered by Kiev to be illegally occupied.