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The President of Ukraine Zelenskyy has announced he is willing to conduct a national election during the current war, if the Verkhovna Rada and international allies allow it. This comment comes after allegations from Donald Trump that he was clinging to power.

Obviously frustrated by the remarks from abroad, Zelenskyy stressed that "This is a matter for the citizens of Ukraine, and not for individuals from foreign states, with all appropriate respect to our partners."

Nonetheless, he promised to examine avenues for scheduling a election in the near future. "Since this question is currently being posed by the leader of the United States, our ally, I will respond briefly: understand, I am ready for elections," Zelenskyy said on Tuesday evening.

"Furthermore, I am asking ... the U.S. to support me, potentially alongside European counterparts, to ensure security for the vote, and afterwards within the next 60 to 90 days Ukraine will be able to hold the elections. I personally have the determination and preparedness for this," he concluded.

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

This criticism were made by Trump in a lengthy interview conducted by the publication Politico earlier on Tuesday. "Ukraine haven't had an election in a long time," stated the U.S. president. "You know, they speak of a democratic nation, but it reaches a point where it's undemocratic any more."

Zelenskyy's presidential term officially ended in May of last year, but the nation's constitution forbids elections in a time of armed conflict. Even, his rivals have stated repeatedly that safety and political realities make it impossible organizing an election amid the ongoing conflict.

"Doing so would only cause harm," said an opposition MP. "He's the commander-in-chief, and the country is in a situation where we lack that luxury, regardless of disagreements we might have with him. It would only aid the opponent," he concluded.

Practical and Constitutional Obstacles

Zelenskyy identified two primary questions that must be resolved: the practical issue of permitting military personnel, millions of displaced people, and those in occupied territories to vote, and secondly, how to legally hold elections given that martial law is ongoing.

He sought guidance from partner nations on protecting the elections, and from MPs on how to modify the legislation to permit a vote. "{I am waiting for ideas from partners, I am awaiting proposals from our MPs, and I am prepared to participate in the elections," affirmed Zelenskyy.

Broader Political Context

Zelenskyy was speaking while returning to Ukraine after completing a round of talks to several European capitals. This comes as the U.S. administration has reportedly applying pressure on Kyiv to accept a peace deal.

Earlier, Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr., claimed at a forum that Zelenskyy was prolonging the war due to concerns of being ousted. He also hinted that his father might "withdraw support" from Ukraine if the conflict continues. "{It's not true. But it's not entirely wrong," commented Trump, when questioned about his son's allegation.

Reports indicate that the U.S. has proposed Ukraine should cede the eastern territories to achieve peace, a proposal that would be highly unpopular within Ukraine. Furthermore, there is as of now little indication that Russia is willing to agree to any deal, even one that might appear beneficial to Moscow.