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The President of Ukraine Zelenskyy has stated he is willing to organize a presidential election amid the current war, on the condition that the Verkhovna Rada and foreign partners allow it. This statement comes after claims from the U.S. President that he was refusing to relinquish control.

Obviously frustrated by the comments from overseas, Zelenskyy stressed that "This is a matter for the people of Ukraine, not for individuals from foreign states, with all appropriate respect to our allies."

Nonetheless, he vowed to investigate possibilities for scheduling a poll in the next few months. "Given that this question is now being raised by the leader of the United States, our ally, I will reply directly: listen, I am prepared for elections," Zelenskyy said on Tuesday evening.

"In addition, I am asking ... the U.S. to support me, possibly together with EU partners, to guarantee safety for the vote, and afterwards within the coming two to three months Ukraine will be ready to conduct the elections. I personally have the will and preparedness for this," he continued.

Trump's Comments and The Country's Legal Situation

The comments were voiced by Trump in a lengthy interview conducted by the publication Politico earlier on Tuesday. "Ukraine have not held an election in a considerable period," claimed the American leader. "You know, they talk about a democratic nation, but it reaches a point where it's undemocratic any more."

Zelenskyy's five-year term expired in May of last year, but the nation's constitution prohibits elections in a time of wartime. Even, his political opponents have consistently argued that security and practical factors make it impossible holding an election during hostilities.

"Doing so would only cause harm," commented a lawmaker from the Holos party. "Zelenskyy is the commander-in-chief, and the country is in a situation where we don't have that luxury, whatever issues we might have with him. It would only aid the opponent," he concluded.

Practical and Legal Challenges

Zelenskyy pointed out two key issues that must be resolved: the practical challenge of enabling soldiers, the many refugees, and those in occupied territories to participate, and additionally, how to legally hold elections when martial law is ongoing.

He requested counsel from partner nations on protecting the elections, and from members of parliament on how to amend the legislation to allow a election. "{I am expecting ideas from partners, I am awaiting suggestions from our parliamentarians, and I am willing to proceed with the elections," said Zelenskyy.

Wider Diplomatic Background

Zelenskyy was speaking while traveling back to Ukraine after wrapping up a round of talks to various EU nations. This occurs while the U.S. administration has reportedly been increasing pressure on Kyiv to sign a peace deal.

Earlier, Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr., asserted at a forum that Zelenskyy was prolonging the war due to fears of being ousted. He also hinted that his father might "withdraw support" from Ukraine if the war does not end. "{It's not accurate. But it's not entirely wrong," said Trump, when questioned about his son's statement.

It has been suggested that the U.S. has proposed Ukraine should cede the Donbas region to achieve peace, a move that would be highly controversial within Ukraine. Additionally, there is as of now no sign that Russia is ready to sign any agreement, including one that might seem beneficial to Moscow.