The US is reportedly considering proposing the deployment of cryptocurrency mining in the Russia-Ukraine disputed region as a bargaining chip in Russia-US negotiations

BlockBeats News, December 26th, according to the Russian media outlet RBC, Russian President Putin recently stated that the United States has expressed interest in conducting cryptocurrency mining operations at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) during negotiations with the Russian side, and the related arrangement may be part of the Russia-US geopolitical game.

The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is located in southeastern Ukraine, is the largest nuclear power plant in Europe, and has been under Russian control since 2022, remaining a key topic in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and peace negotiations. There are significant differences among the parties regarding the ownership, operation, and power distribution of the plant.

Reports indicate that Russia and the US are discussing a joint management scheme that excludes Ukraine; meanwhile, the BBC revealed that the US has proposed a tripartite operation with the US, Russia, and Ukraine each holding an equal share. At the same time, Reuters cited sources saying that Ukraine has proposed a 50:50 joint venture between the US and Ukraine to operate the nuclear power plant, with the US able to allocate its received power share independently, and Ukraine speculates that some of it may flow to Russia.

The control of the nuclear power plant not only concerns the power supply in southern Ukraine and the stability of the regional power grid but also involves significant security and geopolitical risks. In the absence of consensus among the parties, the feasibility of conducting cryptocurrency mining at the ZNPP remains highly uncertain.

In terms of background, as the Russia-Ukraine conflict enters its fourth year, US President Trump is increasing mediation efforts to promote a ceasefire and peace agreement, focusing on territorial, security, and economic arrangements. Ukrainian President Zelensky stated that the US and Ukraine are close to a 20-point peace plan; Putin also expressed willingness to make concessions, but remains tough on the Donbass issue.