In a surprising development, the United States is exploring the possibility of assuming control⁣ of Ukraine’s nuclear⁤ power plants as part of ongoing discussions regarding an economic cooperation agreement. This proposal expands upon the existing agreement, which encompasses rare metals, oil,⁢ and gas resources.

According to a statement released by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, American ownership of these plants would provide the best⁤ protection for the infrastructure and⁤ offer crucial support⁣ for Ukraine’s energy sector. The statement followed a conversation between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian ‍President Volodimir Zelenski⁤ on Tuesday.

American media outlets report that the proposal has taken Ukrainian leadership by ⁤surprise, as they continue to work with the U.S. to finalize⁣ the previously agreed-upon agreement concerning rare metals.

A Ukrainian media outlet, RBC-Ukraine, reports that the U.S. has ⁣suggested Ukraine consider transferring control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant to ⁢Washington as part of negotiations with Russia to ‍end the war. Russia⁤ has been unwilling to return the plant, the largest⁢ in Europe, to Ukraine. ⁤Washington believes Russia might be more⁣ amenable to transferring it to the U.S.

President Zelenski told journalists that⁢ the Zaporizhzhia plant is state property, and Ukraine has no intention of ceding ownership to any other party. However,he indicated that ⁢Ukraine would be open ⁣to ⁣U.S. investment in the ‍plant’s⁢ restoration and ⁣modernization. Zelenski estimates that restarting the station would take at least two years once⁢ it⁤ is back under Ukrainian control. This issue is open for discussion, but we are not discussing the issue of property with President Trump, ⁤ Zelenski stated.

The Zaporizhzhia plant, comprised of six ⁣reactors with a total power capacity of 6,000 MW, ⁢representing one-fifth of Ukraine’s pre-invasion energy⁣ generation, ‍was seized by Russia more than three years ago during⁤ the initial days of the invasion after Russian forces breached Ukrainian defenses from Crimea. Since then, Russia has reportedly used the plant as a military ⁣base and‍ a⁣ tool for leverage every time Ukraine gained ground on the battlefield.

The⁢ majority of the plant’s staff are Ukrainian.The station has not generated electricity for over two years due to the ⁤risks associated⁣ with nearby fighting. According to Zelenski, the engineers are⁣ working‍ under immense psychological pressure, with their children having been relocated from Energodar, their ⁤home city, to Russia.

Volodimir Omelchenko, an energy expert for the Razumkov Center in Kyiv, believes the U.S. must ⁢still convince Russia to relinquish control of the station. He argues that the plan is more beneficial for Ukraine than leaving the nuclear installation in the hands of Russian ⁣terrorists. Experts ⁤warn ⁤that Russia might⁤ destroy the plant if ‍forced⁤ to withdraw.

President Zelenski clarified that the conversation did not involve other Ukrainian nuclear plants. He emphasized that all ‍15 of Ukraine’s reactors are state-owned,⁣ not private, and are vital for the country’s energy‍ security.

A source in Kyiv told local ⁤media that the proposal appears ⁣to be‍ an⁢ improvisation ⁣by the U.S.This topic has not yet been addressed in direct contacts between ⁤the countries, the source ⁣said.

Energy⁢ experts suggest that⁢ the U.S.might⁢ want to take control to prevent Russia from exploiting the technologies ⁤of the american nuclear company Westinghouse.

Currently, Ukraine reportedly feels increasing pressure from Washington, which seeks access to its⁣ resources ⁣without providing⁤ clear security‍ guarantees. According to a ⁣Ukrainian official⁣ speaking ⁢to the financial Times, Kyiv is prepared ‍to sign the previous agreement, but the U.S.is⁤ now demanding more.

Despite claims that President⁢ Vladimir Putin ordered a halt to attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, Russia has continued to strike Ukrainian cities with missiles, drones, and bombs in recent days.

The coastal city of Odessa was struck by ⁤at least 27 drones,‍ causing several large ⁢fires. Ukrainian witnesses and officials report that Russia employed‍ a new tactic, attacking with drone groups⁣ from a greater height and concurrently to evade local air defenses.

Oleksandr Kovalenko,‍ a military ⁤analyst in Odesa, stated⁢ that this tactic‍ resulted in imprecise drone strikes, but Russia’s goal is to intimidate ⁤and terrorize civilians.

anastasia Dolnik, a 29-year-old economist, recounted the⁣ attack, saying, It was a horror.⁢ It⁣ is indeed ‍a miracle that nobody died, as the ⁣drones fell⁤ into a densely‍ populated⁢ area near my house. The attack resulted ‍in injuries to ⁤three children.

Tetiana⁣ Marina, a refugee‍ from ⁢Kherson, stated, It is clear that Trump does not have a real plan to stop‍ Russia and stop his aggression against ukraine. She added that Russian drones continue their cruel ⁢human safari against civilians in Kherson.