Trump Proposes U.S. Ownership of Ukraine's Nuclear Plants Amid Ceasefire Talks
In a bold move, U.S. President Donald Trump has proposed that the United States take ownership and management of Ukraine's nuclear power plants as part of efforts to secure a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict with Russia. This revelation follows a significant two-hour conversation Trump had with Russian President Vladimir Putin, underscoring the complexities of international diplomacy surrounding the war.
Positive Dialogue Between Leaders
Following the conversation with Putin, Trump held a constructive hour-long call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The Ukrainian leader characterized their discussion as positive, frank, and substantive. They touched upon the critical issue of the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia power plant, Europe's largest nuclear facility, which is currently at risk and may take over two years to restore fully.
Zelensky indicated Ukraine's willingness to pause attacks on Russian energy networks as part of a partial ceasefire, although he firmly stated that Ukraine would retaliate if Russia violated the truce. He expressed skepticism about Putin agreeing to a complete ceasefire, reflecting the ongoing mistrust between the two nations.
Aid and Defense Strategies
During the call, Zelensky reiterated Ukraine's urgent need for additional military support, specifically requesting more Patriot defense missile systems. Trump, alongside U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Wall, agreed to explore available resources, particularly from European allies.
As part of ongoing negotiations, Ukrainian and U.S. officials are expected to meet in Saudi Arabia soon, where Russian and American teams are also due to convene. This diplomatic push aims to iron out the details of a potential ceasefire, with the Ukrainian President emphasizing, “We have never been this close to peace, and it’s only because of President Trump that we are here.”
Prisoner Exchange and Ongoing Conflicts
In a related development, Russia and Ukraine successfully conducted a prisoner exchange, facilitated by the United Arab Emirates. Each side returned 175 soldiers, with Russia also releasing 22 seriously injured Ukrainian prisoners requiring urgent medical attention. Despite these diplomatic gestures, both nations accused each other of continuing military aggression. Ukraine reported missile strikes on railway and energy infrastructure, while Russia claimed a deliberate Ukrainian attack on an oil depot aimed at undermining the ceasefire negotiations.
Conclusion
As negotiations continue, the future of U.S.-Ukraine relations and the potential for a ceasefire remain uncertain. Trump's proposal to manage Ukraine's nuclear facilities is unprecedented and raises significant questions about sovereignty and security in the region. The coming days will be critical as diplomatic teams gather in Saudi Arabia, with the hope that these talks may pave the way for lasting peace in a conflict that has deeply affected both nations and the broader international community.
Stay tuned for updates on this evolving situation as world leaders navigate the complexities of peace talks and military strategies.
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