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Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced he is willing to hold a national election during the ongoing war, on the condition that the Verkhovna Rada and international allies approve. This statement follows allegations from Donald Trump that he was refusing to relinquish control.

Obviously irritated by the comments from overseas, Zelenskyy stressed that "This is a matter for the citizens of Ukraine, not for individuals from partner countries, with all due respect to our partners."

However, he vowed to investigate possibilities for holding a poll in the coming months. "Because this topic is currently being posed by the President of the United States, our ally, I will respond briefly: look, I am prepared for elections," Zelenskyy said on Tuesday evening.

"Moreover, I am asking ... the United States to assist me, possibly alongside EU partners, to provide security for the vote, and subsequently within the coming two to three months Ukraine will be ready to conduct the elections. I individually have the determination and preparedness for this," he concluded.

The U.S. President's Criticism and The Country's Legal Situation

These remarks were made by Trump in a lengthy interview released by Politico earlier on Tuesday. "They haven't had an election in a while," claimed the American leader. "Understand, they talk about a democracy, but it becomes a situation where it's not a democracy any more."

Zelenskyy's five-year term expired in May of last year, but the country's fundamental law bans elections in a time of armed conflict. Even, his critics have stated repeatedly that safety and political realities do not permit organizing an election amid the ongoing conflict.

"It would only cause harm," commented a lawmaker from the Holos party. "Zelenskyy is the supreme military commander, and the country is in a state where we lack that luxury, whatever problems we might have with him. It would only aid the opponent," he added.

Practical and Legal Obstacles

Zelenskyy identified two major questions that require solutions: the logistical challenge of allowing military personnel, the many internally displaced persons, and those living under occupation to cast ballots, and secondly, how to constitutionally hold elections given that martial law is active.

He requested guidance from partner nations on safeguarding the elections, and from lawmakers on how to modify the legislation to allow a vote. "{I am expecting proposals from allies, I am expecting proposals from our parliamentarians, and I am willing to participate in the elections," stated Zelenskyy.

Wider Political Context

Zelenskyy was speaking while traveling back to Ukraine after completing a series of visits to multiple EU nations. This coincides with the U.S. administration has reportedly increasing pressure on Kyiv to agree to a peace deal.

Earlier, Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr., suggested at a conference that Zelenskyy was extending the war due to concerns of electoral defeat. He also indicated that his father might "disengage" from Ukraine if the war continues. "{It's not correct. But it's not entirely wrong," commented Trump, when asked about his son's claim.

Reports indicate that the U.S. has floated the idea Ukraine should relinquish the Donbas region to achieve peace, a concession that would be deeply rejected within Ukraine. Additionally, there is presently no sign that Russia is willing to accept any agreement, even a deal that might seem beneficial to Moscow.