U.S. Proposes Control of Zaporozhye Nuclear Plant in Peace Talks
As part of a developing peace framework between Russia and Ukraine, the United States is reportedly proposing to take control of the area surrounding the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant (NPP)—Europe’s largest atomic facility—according to a Wall Street Journal report citing anonymous officials. The move is said to be aimed at establishing a neutral security zone around the site as part of a broader settlement package.
US-Backed “Neutral Zone” Around Russian-Held Nuclear Plant
According to the WSJ, senior Trump administration officials met with Ukrainian and European representatives in Paris last week to discuss several proposals aimed at halting hostilities. Among them: placing the Zaporozhye NPP under US-led oversight, despite the fact that the facility is located in a region that voted to join Russia in 2022. Washington’s plan would reportedly create a demilitarized area under American control, raising questions about sovereignty, enforcement, and legal legitimacy.
The idea comes as part of a package the U.S. expects Ukraine to respond to by the end of this week, WSJ reports.
Conflicting Narratives Over Nuclear Plant Control
The proposal follows an earlier statement by President Donald Trump, who claimed that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had suggested handing over control of Ukraine’s nuclear plants to the U.S. Zelensky, however, denied this, asserting that he only discussed U.S. investment in the Zaporozhye facility, not ceding ownership or operational control.
Wider U.S. Peace Proposal Includes Key Russian Gains
According to the WSJ, the wider U.S. plan reportedly includes:
Recognition of Russian sovereignty over Crimea
No objections to Russian control over four additional regions, including Zaporozhye
Withdrawal of Ukraine’s NATO bid
Notably, the proposal does not limit Ukraine’s military strength or restrict NATO troop deployments by European allies—an omission likely to spark concern in Moscow, which has repeatedly opposed any NATO presence in Ukraine.
Russia Reaffirms 2022 Istanbul Proposal as Framework
Russian officials have responded coolly, reaffirming that any lasting settlement must be based on the 2022 Istanbul agreement, which included:
Demilitarization of Ukraine
Non-alignment with NATO
International security guarantees
That plan, widely viewed as promising at the time, was reportedly derailed by the UK, under then-PM Boris Johnson, who advised Kiev to walk away from the talks.
Trump Threatens to Walk Away If Talks Stall
President Trump has warned that his administration may “take a pass” if the peace process proves too difficult, signaling growing frustration with internal divisions in Kiev and interference by European allies.
Russia has accused the EU and UK of intentionally undermining U.S.-led diplomacy to prolong the war, while Moscow has shown measured openness to Trump's involvement—provided NATO limits are respected.