WASHINGTON, March 19 - President Trump proposed a takeover of Ukrainian power plants as a form of protection, suggesting the U.S. could deter Russian attacks, amid a push for a partial ceasefire between Kyiv and Moscow covering energy facilities and infrastructure.

Trump made the offer during a call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday.

“American ownership of those plants would be the best protection for that infrastructure and support for Ukrainian energy infrastructure,” national security adviser Mike Waltz and Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a joint statement following the call, The Hill reported.

“He said that the United States could be very helpful in running those plants with its electricity and utility expertise,” they added.

Trump’s push for control of Ukraine’s nuclear power plants is reportedly linked to his support for a minerals deal with Ukraine as repayment for American military assistance. The president shelved the deal with Ukraine following an explosive Oval Office meeting late last month. And while Zelensky’s overtures have helped repair U.S. relations that ruptured in the fallout, the minerals deal is currently stalled.

The New York Times reported Tuesday that Trump views control of Ukraine’s nuclear power plant in Zaporizhzhia as important in building out extraction of the war-torn nation’s critical minerals. The power plant is occupied by Russian forces and is on the front line of fighting in the southeastern region of Ukraine.

Zelensky did not address talks regarding the minerals deal or U.S. control of nuclear power plants in a statement following the call. But he put support behind Trump’s push for a partial ceasefire and agreed for continued close cooperation with the White House.

“We agreed that Ukraine and the United States should continue working together to achieve a real end to the war and lasting peace,” Zelensky said. “We believe that together with America, with President Trump, and under American leadership, lasting peace can be achieved this year.”

The conversation came a day after Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke for nearly three hours about a partial truce. (ap/ez)