Trump eyes control of Ukraine's nuclear plants as US prepares ceasefire talks with Russia

President Donald Trump is engaging in negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin to extend a preliminary ceasefire in the Ukraine war. This development comes as top U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, prepare to meet a Russian delegation in Saudi Arabia. The focus of the talks is to temporarily halt Russian strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, including the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Station. A critical aspect of the discussion is the U.S. interest in 'ownership' of Ukraine’s nuclear power plants, which is proposed as a strategy to protect Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Experts, however, are skeptical about Putin's agreement to these terms, given Russia's historical reluctance to relinquish control over Zaporizhzhia.
The implications of these negotiations are significant, with potential impacts on international relations and global energy markets. U.S. attempts to acquire Ukraine's energy infrastructure could be seen as a strategic move to extend security guarantees and control over Ukraine's nuclear capabilities, which might be perceived as a threat by Russia. The skepticism extends to whether these talks will lead to a lasting peace, as former CIA Moscow station chief Dan Hoffman suggests that genuine peace will require a change in Putin's objectives, which currently focus on weakening Ukraine's deterrence capabilities. The situation poses complex geopolitical challenges, with the potential to influence the broader dynamics of U.S.-Russia relations and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
RATING
The news story provides a timely and relevant examination of proposed U.S. involvement in Ukraine's nuclear infrastructure as part of ceasefire negotiations with Russia. While it covers critical geopolitical issues, the article's accuracy is somewhat undermined by a lack of detailed verification and reliance on a limited range of sources. The story is generally clear and engaging, but it would benefit from a more balanced representation of perspectives, particularly from Ukrainian and independent international viewpoints. Enhanced transparency and source diversity would improve the article's credibility and provide readers with a more comprehensive understanding of the complex dynamics at play.
RATING DETAILS
The news story contains several factual claims that require verification. For instance, the article states that President Trump suggested the U.S. take control of Ukraine's nuclear power plants as part of a ceasefire negotiation with Russia. This claim is partially supported by other sources, but the legal feasibility and the Ukrainian government's acceptance are not clearly addressed. Additionally, the story mentions a temporary ceasefire agreement by Putin, which is not fully corroborated by other reports, suggesting discrepancies in the portrayal of the ceasefire's terms and conditions. The article also references a meeting in Saudi Arabia involving U.S. officials, which aligns with reported diplomatic efforts, but the specific details of the negotiations and their outcomes are not confirmed. These areas highlight the need for further verification and cross-referencing with authoritative sources.
The article attempts to present multiple perspectives by including quotes from various experts, such as Dan Hoffman and Rebekah Koffler, which provide insights into the strategic implications of Trump's proposal. However, the piece predominantly focuses on U.S. and Russian viewpoints, with limited representation of Ukrainian perspectives beyond Zelenskyy's potential reactions. This creates an imbalance, as the Ukrainian government's stance is crucial to understanding the full context of the negotiations. Additionally, the article could benefit from a broader range of international viewpoints to provide a more comprehensive analysis of the geopolitical implications.
The article is generally clear in its language and structure, presenting the main points in a logical sequence. The use of subheadings and quotes helps to break up the text and guide the reader through the narrative. However, the article occasionally lacks specificity, particularly in its references to diplomatic negotiations and the details of the proposed U.S. involvement in Ukraine's nuclear infrastructure. Providing more precise information and context would improve the clarity and help readers understand the complexities of the situation.
The article cites several individuals with expertise in intelligence and security, such as Dan Hoffman and Rebekah Koffler, lending some credibility to the analysis. However, the reliance on Fox News contributors and a lack of direct quotes from official government sources or independent analysts limits the overall reliability. The story would be strengthened by incorporating a wider array of sources, including statements from the involved governments and independent geopolitical analysts, to provide a more balanced and authoritative account of the events.
The article provides limited transparency regarding the sources of its information and the basis for its claims. While it references statements from U.S. officials and experts, it does not clearly outline the methodology behind the reporting or the verification process for the claims made. The lack of direct quotes from official documents or statements from the involved parties reduces the transparency of the reporting. Greater disclosure of the sources and methods used to gather information would enhance the article's credibility and allow readers to better assess the validity of the claims.
Sources
- https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/03/20/trump-offers-to-take-control-of-ukraines-nuclear-power-plants-in-ceasefire-deal-a88425
- https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/trump-suggests-to-zelenskyy-that-u-s-take-ownership-of-ukrainian-power-plants-for-security
- https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-03-21/ukraine-dismayed-by-trumps-proposal-to-take-control-of-its-nuclear-plants.html
- https://www.foxnews.com/category/world/conflicts/ukraine
- https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/trump-ukraine-nuclear-plants-1.7489294
YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN

Rubio tells Russia the clock is ticking while allies doubt Putin wants peace in Ukraine
Score 4.8
Russia ‘Examining’ 30-Day Ukraine Ceasefire Plan Backed By Trump Administration
Score 6.6
Officials from U.S., Europe meet in London for Ukraine peace talks
Score 7.2
Trump hopeful Russia and Ukraine can make a deal after temporary Easter ceasefire ends
Score 6.2