Photo: Screenshot from the video
During a telephone conversation with his US counterpart Donald Trump, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed possible US assistance in restoring the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) after its de-occupation.
Zelensky said this at an online press conference on 19 March.
What exactly did you discuss?
According to Zelenskyy, the liberation of ZNPP from the Russian occupiers is only the first step, after which large-scale work will need to be carried out to restore the plant’s infrastructure.
“I said that only de-occupation of the plant is not enough, because there must be infrastructure – water supply, technical staff and many other steps to ensure that in 1.5-2.5 years the plant starts to bring money and electricity to people. This is my vision,” Zelensky said.
Why is this important?
Zaporizhzhia NPP is the largest nuclear power plant in Europe, which has remained under Russian occupation since 2022. Due to hostilities and constant shelling, its infrastructure is under threat, and the facility itself operates in critical conditions.
US support for the restoration of ZNPP could be key to returning the plant to full operation, which would ensure energy security for Ukraine and the region.
What’s next?
It is not yet known what steps Washington is ready to take in this direction. It is expected that the issue of restoring ZNPP may become part of broader negotiations between Ukraine and the US on economic and energy support for the country’s post-war recovery.
