Trump’s Focus on Ukrainian Nuclear Plant Is Partly Linked to Minerals Deal, Officials Say

They will not just give this nuclear power plant back for free,

he said

Volodymyr Zelenskyypresident

Its existence is impossible without Ukraine. We need money and specialists to restore it. And time too, it will take several years,

Zelensky said

Karoline Leavittpress secretary

I won’t get ahead of those negotiations, but I can say we are on the 10th yard line of peace, and we’ve never been closer to a peace deal than we are in this moment, and the president, as you know, is determined to get one done,

Leavitt also said

Volodymyr Zelenskyypresident

I am sure that they (Russia) will make political, public statements that the station will soon be operational and will supply electricity to the territories controlled by the Russians. It will not happen quickly,

Zelensky added

Karoline Leavittpress secretary

There’s a power plant that is on the border of Russia and Ukraine that was up for discussion with the Ukrainians, and he will address it in his call with Putin,

Asked about Trump’s comment on power plants, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Monday ... specifying