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The President of Ukraine Zelenskyy has stated he is ready to organize a presidential election amid the ongoing war, if the Verkhovna Rada and international allies approve. This statement follows accusations from the U.S. President that he was holding onto his position.

Visibly irritated by the intervention from abroad, Zelenskyy emphasized that "The decision for the population of Ukraine, rather than for individuals from foreign states, with all necessary respect to our allies."

Nevertheless, he pledged to examine options for scheduling a poll in the next few months. "Given that this question is brought up by the President of the United States, our key partner, I will respond briefly: understand, I am willing for elections," Zelenskyy said on Tuesday evening.

"Moreover, I am requesting ... the United States to assist me, possibly alongside European counterparts, to ensure protection for the polls, and afterwards within the coming two to three months Ukraine will be able to hold the elections. I personally have the will and willingness for this," he continued.

The U.S. President's Comments and Ukrainian Constitutional Reality

This criticism were voiced by Trump in a rambling interview released by Politico earlier on Tuesday. "They have not held an election in a while," said the American leader. "Consider this, they claim to be a democratic nation, but it gets to a stage where it's undemocratic any more."

Zelenskyy's five-year term came to an end in May of last year, but the Ukrainian constitution prohibits elections in a time of martial law. Furthermore, his rivals have stated repeatedly that safety and political considerations make it impossible holding an election amid the ongoing conflict.

"It would only be detrimental," commented Serhiy Rakhmanin. "He's the supreme military commander, and the country is in a position where we don't have that possibility, regardless of problems we might have with him. It would only aid the adversary," he concluded.

Practical and Legal Challenges

Zelenskyy highlighted two key problems that require solutions: the practical challenge of allowing military personnel, millions of refugees, and those in occupied territories to participate, and secondly, how to lawfully hold elections given that martial law is in effect.

He sought advice from allies on protecting the elections, and from lawmakers on how to amend the legislation to permit a vote. "{I am expecting ideas from partners, I am expecting proposals from our MPs, and I am ready to participate in the elections," stated Zelenskyy.

Wider Political Background

Zelenskyy was speaking while traveling back to Ukraine after wrapping up a round of talks to several European capitals. This coincides with the U.S. administration has reportedly pushing on Kyiv to accept a peace deal.

Recently, Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr., claimed at a forum that Zelenskyy was dragging out the war due to concerns of electoral defeat. He also hinted that his father might "disengage" from Ukraine if the hostilities persists. "{It's not accurate. But it's not exactly wrong," said Trump, when asked about his son's statement.

Reports indicate that the U.S. has floated the idea Ukraine should cede the Donbas region to achieve peace, a proposal that would be deeply rejected within Ukraine. Additionally, there is as of now no evidence that Russia is ready to agree to any agreement, even one that might seem beneficial to Moscow.