Trump’s bid for Ukraine’s nuclear plants sparks controversy

U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly suggested that Ukraine transfer its nuclear power plants to Washington, a proposal that has sparked controversy in Kyiv. The idea raises concerns about national sovereignty, energy security, and the potential risks involved in nuclear facility management.

Historical Context: The Shadow of Chernobyl

Ukraine remains deeply affected by the 1986 Chernobyl disaster, one of the worst nuclear catastrophes in history. The explosion released massive amounts of radiation, rendering parts of the region uninhabitable for thousands of years. The memory of this disaster continues to shape Ukrainian attitudes toward nuclear safety and control.

Trump’s Proposal and Kyiv’s Response

During a recent phone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Trump suggested that U.S. ownership would be the best way to secure Ukraine’s four nuclear plants. He claimed that Washington could provide expertise in managing these facilities.

Zelenskyy later clarified that their discussion focused solely on the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which has been under Russian control since 2022. While he welcomed investment and modernization efforts, he firmly rejected the idea of transferring ownership to the U.S.

Fears of Russian Sabotage

Some Ukrainian officials worry that Russia could stage an incident at the Zaporizhzhia plant if Ukraine attempts to reclaim it. The destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam in 2023, which Kyiv blames on Moscow, has heightened concerns about potential provocations. However, others believe that Russia views the plant as a strategic asset and is unlikely to sabotage it.

Inside the Zaporizhzhia Plant

Reports indicate that some Ukrainian staff members working under Russian control were initially alarmed by Trump’s proposal. However, since no military intervention was announced, they felt relieved. Meanwhile, concerns persist about lax safety measures by Russian forces stationed at the facility.

Ukraine’s Nuclear Power and U.S. Involvement

Before 2022, nuclear plants supplied nearly half of Ukraine’s electricity, particularly after coal resources in Donbas became inaccessible. Since then, Russia has targeted Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, causing widespread power shortages.

U.S. officials, including Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, have highlighted American expertise in nuclear plant operations. However, critics question whether the U.S. is well-equipped to manage Soviet-era reactors, which rely on Russian-produced uranium rods. Ukraine has attempted to replace these with fuel from Westinghouse, but previous incidents have raised safety concerns.

Broader Concerns: Aging Reactors and Corruption

Environmental groups warn that Ukraine’s nuclear reactors are aging and require significant upgrades. Transparency issues at Energoatom, the state nuclear company, have also raised concerns about corruption and mismanagement. Experts fear that procurement of substandard spare parts could lead to serious safety risks.

As discussions continue, the future of Ukraine’s nuclear infrastructure remains uncertain. While U.S. involvement could provide financial and technical support, questions persist about national sovereignty, security, and the potential geopolitical consequences.