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Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy has declared he is ready to organize a presidential election during the current war, on the condition that the Verkhovna Rada and international allies approve. This announcement comes after accusations from Donald Trump that he was refusing to relinquish control.

Obviously irritated by the remarks from overseas, Zelenskyy stressed that "This question for the citizens of Ukraine, rather than for individuals from other nations, with all necessary respect to our partners."

Nonetheless, he promised to investigate options for holding a poll in the coming months. "Because this topic is now being raised by the leader of the U.S., our key partner, I will answer succinctly: understand, I am willing for elections," Zelenskyy stated on Tuesday evening.

"Furthermore, I am requesting ... the United States to help me, perhaps in conjunction with European colleagues, to ensure protection for the elections, and afterwards within the next 60 to 90 days Ukraine will be ready to organize the elections. I myself have the desire and readiness for this," he concluded.

Trump's Comments and The Country's Constitutional Situation

These remarks were expressed by Trump in a wide-ranging interview conducted by the publication Politico earlier on Tuesday. "They have not held an election in a long time," claimed the U.S. president. "Understand, they claim to be a democratic nation, but it gets to a stage where it's undemocratic any more."

Zelenskyy's presidential term came to an end in May of last year, but the Ukrainian constitution forbids elections in a time of martial law. Even, his critics have often said that security and political realities prevent holding an election during hostilities.

"Doing so would only be detrimental," stated a lawmaker from the Holos party. "Zelenskyy is the commander-in-chief, and the country is in a position where we don't have that luxury, regardless of disagreements we might have with him. It would only benefit the enemy," he concluded.

Logistical and Constitutional Hurdles

Zelenskyy highlighted two primary problems that must be resolved: the practical issue of allowing military personnel, millions of displaced people, and those living under occupation to participate, and secondly, how to legally hold elections when a state of war is active.

He requested advice from allies on safeguarding the elections, and from members of parliament on how to change the law to enable a election. "{I am awaiting proposals from partners, I am waiting for suggestions from our MPs, and I am willing to go to the elections," affirmed Zelenskyy.

Wider Political Background

Zelenskyy made these remarks while returning to Ukraine after wrapping up a round of talks to several European capitals. This occurs while the U.S. administration has reportedly been pushing on Kyiv to agree to a ceasefire agreement.

Recently, Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr., suggested at a forum that Zelenskyy was prolonging the war due to fears of electoral defeat. He also indicated that his father might "walk away" from Ukraine if the hostilities continues. "{It's not correct. But it's not precisely wrong," commented Trump, when asked about his son's claim.

There are indications that the U.S. has suggested Ukraine should give up the eastern territories to secure peace, a move that would be extremely controversial within Ukraine. Additionally, there is presently little indication that Russia is prepared to agree to any agreement, even one that might seem beneficial to Moscow.