US could run Ukraine’s power plants: Trump

KABUL (Pajhwok): US President Donald Trump has discussed with his Ukrainian counterpart America’s possible ownership of Ukrainian nuclear power plants.

The two leaders conferred on the issue during a phone call on Wednesday, according to the White House. But the Ukrainian leader said it was only about the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia facility.

Trump had an hour-long phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, a day after speaking to Russian leader Vladimir Putin, the BBC reported.

Zelensky said he was open to a partial ceasefire, including an end to attacks on energy infrastructure, rail and port facilities. However, he warned of retaliation if Russia violated the terms of the ceasefire.

Following the conversation, Trump wrote on Truth Social the call was aimed at aligning Ukraine and Russia in terms of their requests and needs. Ceasefire efforts were on track, he insisted.

Ukraine’s electrical supply and nuclear power plants also came up for discussion, according to the US secretary of state. Trump assured the United States could be helpful in running the plants with its electricity and utility expertise.

Since testy exchanges between them in the Oval Office 19 days ago, the phone call marks the first known conversation between Trump and Zelensky.

PAN Monitor/mud