Trump, Zelensky discuss Ukraine’s energy future in ‘very good’ call

U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held what Trump described as a “very good” hour-long phone call on Wednesday, one day after the U.S. leader spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

According to statements from both governments, the conversation covered a range of issues, including Ukraine’s energy security and the ongoing conflict with Russia. Zelensky, in a subsequent statement, expressed optimism about the future, saying he believed that “lasting peace can be achieved this year” under Trump’s leadership.

One of the key topics discussed was the potential U.S. involvement in managing Ukraine’s nuclear power infrastructure. The White House confirmed that the issue of U.S. ownership of Ukrainian power plants was raised. However, Zelensky later clarified that discussions were focused on the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which has been under Moscow’s control since early in the conflict.

The fate of Zaporizhzhia has been a major point of concern for both Ukraine and its Western allies, given the plant’s strategic significance and ongoing security risks. The United States has consistently called for Russia to return control of the facility to Ukraine. It remains unclear what specific proposals were made regarding American involvement, but the White House’s acknowledgment suggests an evolving U.S. role in Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction and energy strategy.

The phone call follows a series of high-level diplomatic engagements as Washington navigates its support for Kyiv while maintaining channels of communication with Moscow. Trump’s conversation with Putin earlier in the week has raised speculation about potential U.S.-Russia negotiations regarding the war in Ukraine, though no details have been disclosed.

For now, the prospect of U.S. management of Ukrainian energy assets remains uncertain. While some analysts see it as part of broader post-war rebuilding efforts, others warn of potential geopolitical and economic complications. Ukrainian officials have reiterated that the country’s energy sovereignty remains a top priority.