Donald Trump would like Ukrainian nuclear power plants under the US control. The “New York Times” indicates what the purpose of the American president could be and the meaning would be for the United States occupied by Russia Zaporoska Nuclear Power Plant.
During Wednesday's conversation with the president Ukraine Trump's Volodymyr “said a very unusual idea: that the US would take control of Ukrainian nuclear power plants” – reminded the daily.
The White House explained that USA “With their experience in the area of electricity (…) they can be very helpful in managing these gyms”, and the fact that they would be American property “would be the best protection for this infrastructure and support for Ukrainian infrastructure.”
Trump added that Washington is interested in signing with Kiev agreements regarding the metal of rare lands and minerals.
Power plant in Zaporozhye Key for the extraction of raw materials
Ukrainian officials, who knew the details of the talks between Washington and Kiev, told the New York daily that Trump explained that if the US wants to be able to operate Ukrainian mineral deposits, then the Zaporian nuclear power plant must be fully operational, because the extraction of these raw materials is very energy -consuming.
An attempt to privatize the Enerhoatom for the US would meet in Ukraine with the opposition of all political forces. In addition, many experts estimate that It is unlikely that the Russians would give the gym to Ukraine.
And if it happened, then “passing it on” the US would not be possible, because “is ours and is on our land” – noted President Zielnski.
View of the Zaporosze Nuclear Power Plant Ihor bondarene/shutterstock
US plans
The idea of taking over the gym surprised representatives of the Ukrainian authorities and energy experts. Zelanski said that the issue of these facilities was not raised, and with Trump only talked about the Zaporoska nuclear power plant. From March 2022, the gym, the largest in Europe, is occupied by the Russian troops.
“If you don't count on what has been said, one thing is certain: Trump wants to have large economic shares in Ukraine,” says “NYT”.
Westinghouse interested in the situation
The daily points out that shortly before the Russian invasion, the American Westinghouse concern, specializing in nuclear technology, signed a contract with the Ukrainian state Enerhoatom for the construction of five reactors. After the outbreak of the war, the order was expanded to nine reactors, and companies are planning further cooperation regarding the construction of smaller power plants in Ukraine.
Westinghouse is also vividly interested in the situation in the Zaporian nuclear power plant, in which American fuel and technology were used before the war. “NYT” quotes experts who explain that the Russian takeover of control over this object is concerned about theft of American intellectual property.
The US Energy Ministry even sent a letter to the Rosatom, a Russian operator, warning that he would take legal steps against him if he used his technologies in the Zaporian nuclear power plant.
An expert of the Washington Think Tank Kennan Institute Andrian Prokip estimates that Westinghouse “would definitely use” Ukraine regaining control over the largest nuclear power plant, because he would have much greater access to markets.
“It is unclear whether Trump talked to the president (Vladimir) Putin, as he promised, about the fate of the Zaporian gym during their Tuesday conversation,” however, “NYT” points out.
Source of the main photo: PAP/EPA/BONNIE CASH/POOL