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Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced he is ready to conduct a national election amid the ongoing war, provided that the Verkhovna Rada and foreign partners approve. This comment is a response to allegations from the U.S. President that he was clinging to power.

Clearly frustrated by the intervention from overseas, Zelenskyy emphasized that "This question for the population of Ukraine, and not for individuals from foreign states, with all due respect to our partners."

However, he pledged to investigate avenues for carrying out a election in the near future. "Since this topic is currently being posed by the President of the U.S., our key partner, I will respond succinctly: listen, I am willing for elections," Zelenskyy remarked on Tuesday night.

"In addition, I am asking ... the U.S. to support me, possibly together with European counterparts, to guarantee protection for the polls, and then within the following 60-90 day period Ukraine will be ready to hold the elections. I myself have the will and willingness for this," he added.

Trump's Comments and The Country's Constitutional Reality

This criticism were voiced by Trump in a wide-ranging interview released by the publication Politico earlier on Tuesday. "They have not held an election in a long time," stated the American leader. "Understand, they speak of a democratic nation, but it reaches a point where it's not a democracy any more."

Zelenskyy's presidential term came to an end in May of last year, but the country's fundamental law prohibits elections during armed conflict. Furthermore, his rivals have stated repeatedly that security and practical considerations make it impossible organizing an election while the war continues.

"Doing so would only be detrimental," stated a lawmaker from the Holos party. "He's the supreme military commander, and the country is in a position where we don't have that option, regardless of issues we might have with him. It would only help the adversary," he concluded.

Logistical and Legal Hurdles

Zelenskyy pointed out two major questions that must be resolved: the practical issue of enabling military personnel, the many displaced people, and those in occupied territories to participate, and additionally, how to constitutionally hold elections while a state of war is active.

He asked for counsel from partner nations on securing the elections, and from MPs on how to modify the legislation to allow a vote. "{I am awaiting ideas from partners, I am expecting suggestions from our MPs, and I am willing to go to the elections," said Zelenskyy.

Wider Political Context

Zelenskyy was speaking while traveling back to Ukraine after completing a diplomatic tour to various European capitals. This coincides with the White House has reportedly pushing on Kyiv to agree to a settlement.

Earlier, Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr., claimed at a conference that Zelenskyy was extending the war due to worries of losing power. He also suggested that his father might "withdraw support" from Ukraine if the conflict continues. "{It's not accurate. But it's not precisely wrong," responded Trump, when asked about his son's allegation.

Reports indicate that the U.S. has floated the idea Ukraine should give up the eastern territories to secure peace, a proposal that would be deeply controversial within Ukraine. Furthermore, there is presently little indication that Russia is prepared to accept any agreement, including one that might appear favorable to Moscow.