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The President of Ukraine Zelenskyy has declared he is ready to conduct a presidential election amid the current war, provided that Ukraine's parliament and foreign partners allow it. This statement comes after allegations from the U.S. President that he was holding onto his position.

Obviously irritated by the remarks from overseas, Zelenskyy stressed that "This is a matter for the population of Ukraine, rather than for individuals from other nations, with all appropriate respect to our friends."

Nevertheless, he pledged to investigate options for scheduling a vote in the coming months. "Because this topic is currently being posed by the leader of the U.S., our ally, I will respond directly: look, I am willing for elections," Zelenskyy stated on Tuesday night.

"In addition, I am asking ... the United States to help me, possibly together with EU colleagues, to provide security for the elections, and then within the following 60-90 day period Ukraine will be able to hold the elections. I myself have the desire and willingness for this," he concluded.

Trump's Criticism and The Country's Legal Reality

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 considerable period," said the U.S. president. "Consider this, they claim to be a democracy, but it reaches a point where it's no longer democratic any more."

Zelenskyy's presidential term expired in May of last year, but the country's fundamental law prohibits elections during martial law. Furthermore, his rivals have stated repeatedly that safety and political considerations do not permit organizing an election while the war continues.

"Holding a vote would only create damage," commented a lawmaker from the Holos party. "He's the commander-in-chief, and the country is in a position where we lack that luxury, regardless of disagreements we might have with him. It would only benefit the adversary," he added.

Logistical and Constitutional Hurdles

Zelenskyy pointed out two major problems that need solving: the logistical issue of allowing military personnel, millions of internally displaced persons, and those in occupied territories to participate, and secondly, how to legally hold elections given that a state of war is active.

He sought guidance from partner nations on protecting the elections, and from MPs on how to change the constitution to allow a election. "{I am waiting for proposals from allies, I am waiting for ideas from our MPs, and I am willing to go to the elections," said Zelenskyy.

Wider Diplomatic Context

Zelenskyy was speaking while traveling back to Ukraine after completing a round of talks to multiple EU nations. This comes as the White House has reportedly applying pressure on Kyiv to agree to a settlement.

Over the weekend, Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr., suggested at a forum that Zelenskyy was extending the war due to fears of electoral defeat. He also hinted that his father might "withdraw support" from Ukraine if the war continues. "{It's not true. But it's not entirely wrong," responded Trump, when asked about his son's allegation.

There are indications that the U.S. has suggested Ukraine should cede the eastern territories to achieve peace, a move that would be highly unpopular within Ukraine. Additionally, there is presently no evidence that Russia is willing to accept any deal, even a deal that might seem advantageous to Moscow.