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The President of Ukraine Zelenskyy has declared he is ready to hold a national election during the current war, if the Verkhovna Rada and foreign partners allow it. This comment is a response to claims from the U.S. President that he was clinging to power.

Clearly annoyed by the remarks from overseas, Zelenskyy stressed that "The decision for the citizens of Ukraine, rather than for individuals from other nations, with all appropriate respect to our friends."

Nonetheless, he promised to examine avenues for carrying out a poll in the next few months. "Because this question is now being raised by the leader of the U.S., our ally, I will answer directly: look, I am ready for elections," Zelenskyy stated on Tuesday night.

"In addition, I am asking ... the United States to help me, potentially alongside EU colleagues, to ensure security for the polls, and afterwards within the next 60 to 90 days Ukraine will be ready to conduct the elections. I myself have the desire and willingness for this," he added.

Trump's Assertions and The Country's Legal Reality

These remarks were expressed by Trump in a wide-ranging interview published by Politico earlier on Tuesday. "Ukraine have not held an election in a long time," stated the U.S. president. "You know, they claim to be 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 during armed conflict. Even, his critics have consistently argued that security and practical considerations do not permit organizing an election during hostilities.

"Doing so would only be detrimental," commented an opposition MP. "He's the supreme military commander, and the country is in a position where we don't have that luxury, regardless of issues we might have with him. It would only help the adversary," he concluded.

Logistical and Legal Hurdles

Zelenskyy highlighted two key problems that require solutions: the practical challenge of allowing military personnel, the many refugees, and those in occupied territories to cast ballots, and secondly, how to lawfully hold elections given that a state of war is active.

He sought advice from allies on safeguarding the elections, and from MPs on how to amend the constitution to allow a vote. "{I am awaiting proposals from allies, I am expecting ideas from our MPs, and I am prepared to proceed with the elections," said Zelenskyy.

Wider Political Context

Zelenskyy was speaking while returning to Ukraine after concluding a diplomatic tour to various EU nations. This coincides with the U.S. administration has reportedly pushing on Kyiv to accept a peace deal.

Earlier, Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr., asserted at a forum that Zelenskyy was prolonging the war due to worries of electoral defeat. He also hinted that his father might "walk away" from Ukraine if the conflict continues. "{It's not correct. But it's not exactly wrong," said Trump, when questioned about his son's statement.

There are indications that the U.S. has proposed Ukraine should give up the eastern territories to achieve peace, a concession that would be deeply controversial within Ukraine. Furthermore, there is currently no evidence that Russia is willing to sign any agreement, including one that might appear beneficial to Moscow.