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The President of Ukraine Zelenskyy has announced he is ready to conduct a national election amid the ongoing war, if the Verkhovna Rada and foreign partners approve. This comment comes after accusations from the U.S. President that he was refusing to relinquish control.

Obviously frustrated by the intervention from abroad, Zelenskyy emphasized that "This question for the population of Ukraine, and not for individuals from partner countries, with all due respect to our allies."

However, he pledged to examine options for carrying out a election in the near future. "Given that this question is now being raised by the leader of the U.S., our key partner, I will respond directly: understand, I am willing for elections," Zelenskyy said on Tuesday evening.

"In addition, I am requesting ... the U.S. to support me, possibly together with European partners, to guarantee safety for the vote, and subsequently within the following 60-90 day period Ukraine will be prepared to organize the elections. I personally have the determination and readiness for this," he concluded.

Trump's Assertions and Ukrainian Legal Situation

The comments were expressed by Trump in a rambling interview released by the publication Politico earlier on Tuesday. "They have not held an election in a while," claimed the American leader. "Consider this, they claim to be a democratic nation, but it reaches a point where it's no longer democratic any more."

Zelenskyy's five-year term officially ended in May of last year, but the Ukrainian constitution forbids elections during martial law. Furthermore, his political opponents have consistently argued that safety and political realities make it impossible organizing an election amid the ongoing conflict.

"Holding a vote would only create damage," commented 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 option, regardless of disagreements we might have with him. It would only benefit the enemy," he continued.

Logistical and Constitutional Obstacles

Zelenskyy highlighted two key problems that need solving: the logistical challenge of enabling military personnel, millions of refugees, and those living under occupation to cast ballots, and secondly, how to lawfully hold elections when martial law is in effect.

He sought advice from allies on protecting the elections, and from lawmakers on how to amend the constitution to permit a election. "{I am waiting for proposals from allies, I am expecting suggestions from our parliamentarians, and I am ready to participate in the elections," affirmed Zelenskyy.

Broader Diplomatic Context

Zelenskyy made these remarks while traveling back to Ukraine after wrapping up a series of visits to several EU nations. This comes as the U.S. administration has reportedly pushing on Kyiv to agree to a ceasefire agreement.

Over the weekend, Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr., claimed at a forum that Zelenskyy was extending the war due to worries of being ousted. He also hinted that his father might "disengage" from Ukraine if the war continues. "{It's not true. But it's not exactly wrong," commented Trump, when questioned about his son's allegation.

There are indications that the U.S. has floated the idea Ukraine should relinquish the eastern territories to achieve peace, a concession that would be deeply controversial within Ukraine. Additionally, there is currently no sign that Russia is ready to accept any agreement, even a deal that might seem favorable to Moscow.