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The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated he is prepared to organize a national election during the ongoing war, on the condition that Ukraine's parliament and international allies give their consent. This statement is a response to accusations from the U.S. President that he was refusing to relinquish control.

Visibly irritated by the intervention from abroad, Zelenskyy emphasized that "This question for the citizens of Ukraine, and not for individuals from other nations, with all necessary respect to our partners."

Nonetheless, he promised to investigate avenues for holding a vote in the coming months. "Given that this issue is brought up by the leader of the U.S., our ally, I will answer directly: look, I am willing for elections," Zelenskyy stated on Tuesday evening.

"Moreover, I am asking ... the U.S. to assist me, perhaps alongside EU counterparts, to guarantee security for the vote, and then within the next 60 to 90 days Ukraine will be prepared to conduct the elections. I personally have the desire and readiness for this," he continued.

Trump's Comments and The Country's Constitutional Reality

These remarks were made by Trump in a lengthy interview conducted by the publication Politico earlier on Tuesday. "They have not held an election in a considerable period," said the American leader. "You know, they talk about a democracy, but it becomes a situation where it's not a democracy any more."

Zelenskyy's mandate expired in May of last year, but the Ukrainian constitution prohibits elections in a time of wartime. Even, his rivals have consistently argued that safety and practical considerations do not permit holding an election during hostilities.

"It would only create damage," said a lawmaker from the Holos party. "He's the supreme military commander, and the country is in a situation where we don't have that luxury, whatever issues we might have with him. It would only help the adversary," he added.

Practical and Constitutional Challenges

Zelenskyy identified two major problems that need solving: the practical issue of permitting soldiers, millions of internally displaced persons, and those living under occupation to cast ballots, and additionally, how to legally hold elections given that a state of war is in effect.

He requested advice from allies on securing the elections, and from lawmakers on how to amend the legislation to enable a vote. "{I am waiting for proposals from allies, I am awaiting suggestions from our MPs, and I am willing to proceed with the elections," stated Zelenskyy.

Broader Diplomatic Background

Zelenskyy was speaking while returning to Ukraine after completing a series of visits to several European capitals. This occurs while the U.S. administration has reportedly pushing on Kyiv to agree to a settlement.

Recently, Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr., asserted at a conference that Zelenskyy was dragging out the war due to fears of losing power. He also indicated that his father might "disengage" from Ukraine if the war continues. "{It's not correct. But it's not exactly wrong," said Trump, when asked about his son's allegation.

It has been suggested that the U.S. has suggested Ukraine should relinquish the eastern territories to secure peace, a proposal that would be extremely unpopular within Ukraine. Furthermore, there is as of now little indication that Russia is prepared to accept any deal, even one that might appear advantageous to Moscow.