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Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced he is prepared to conduct a presidential election amid the ongoing war, if the Verkhovna Rada and international allies give their consent. This announcement follows allegations from Donald Trump that he was clinging to power.

Obviously irritated by the comments from overseas, Zelenskyy emphasized that "This is a matter for the population of Ukraine, not for individuals from other nations, with all due respect to our allies."

However, he vowed to investigate possibilities for holding a poll in the next few months. "Since this issue is currently being posed by the leader of the U.S., our key partner, I will respond succinctly: listen, I am willing for elections," Zelenskyy remarked on Tuesday night.

"Furthermore, I am calling on ... the U.S. to assist me, possibly together with European partners, to ensure protection for the vote, and subsequently within the next 60 to 90 days Ukraine will be prepared to conduct the elections. I personally have the will and readiness for this," he concluded.

The U.S. President's Assertions and Ukrainian Legal Reality

This criticism were made by Trump in a wide-ranging interview conducted by the publication Politico earlier on Tuesday. "They haven't had an election in a long time," stated the U.S. president. "Understand, they talk about a democratic nation, but it reaches a point where it's no longer democratic any more."

Zelenskyy's five-year term expired in May of last year, but the nation's constitution forbids elections during wartime. Even, his rivals have stated repeatedly that security and political considerations prevent organizing an election amid the ongoing conflict.

"Doing so would only be detrimental," stated Serhiy Rakhmanin. "He's the commander-in-chief, and the country is in a position where we lack that possibility, whatever issues we might have with him. It would only aid the enemy," he added.

Logistical and Constitutional Obstacles

Zelenskyy highlighted two major questions that require solutions: the practical issue of allowing soldiers, the many displaced people, and those living under occupation to vote, and additionally, how to legally hold elections given that a state of war is ongoing.

He sought counsel from allies on securing the elections, and from members of parliament on how to change the law to permit a vote. "{I am waiting for proposals from partners, I am awaiting suggestions from our MPs, and I am ready to participate in the elections," affirmed Zelenskyy.

Wider Diplomatic Background

Zelenskyy made these remarks while traveling back to Ukraine after concluding a round of talks to various EU nations. This occurs while the White House has reportedly been increasing pressure on Kyiv to agree to a peace deal.

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

There are indications that the U.S. has floated the idea Ukraine should relinquish the eastern territories to secure peace, a concession that would be deeply rejected within Ukraine. Additionally, there is as of now no evidence that Russia is ready to accept any deal, even a deal that might appear beneficial to Moscow.