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The President of Ukraine Zelenskyy has announced he is ready to conduct a national election during the current war, if Ukraine's parliament and international allies give their consent. This announcement comes after accusations from Donald Trump that he was holding onto his position.

Clearly annoyed by the remarks from abroad, Zelenskyy emphasized that "This is a matter for the citizens of Ukraine, rather than for individuals from foreign states, with all appropriate respect to our friends."

However, he vowed to explore avenues for scheduling a poll in the near future. "Given that this issue is now being raised by the leader of the United States, our ally, I will respond briefly: understand, I am prepared for elections," Zelenskyy said on Tuesday night.

"Moreover, I am calling on ... the U.S. to help me, possibly together with EU colleagues, to provide security for the elections, and afterwards within the coming two to three months Ukraine will be prepared to organize the elections. I individually have the determination and willingness for this," he continued.

Trump's Comments and Ukrainian Constitutional Situation

This criticism were expressed by Trump in a lengthy interview released by the publication Politico earlier on Tuesday. "Ukraine haven't had an election in a considerable period," stated the U.S. president. "Understand, they speak of a democratic nation, but it reaches a point where it's not a democracy any more."

Zelenskyy's five-year term came to an end in May of last year, but the nation's constitution bans elections in a time of wartime. Furthermore, his critics have often said that safety and practical realities do not permit organizing an election during hostilities.

"Doing so would only create damage," commented a lawmaker from the Holos party. "He's the commander-in-chief, and the country is in a situation where we lack that option, whatever issues we might have with him. It would only help the opponent," he concluded.

Logistical and Constitutional Challenges

Zelenskyy highlighted two major problems that need solving: the logistical challenge of enabling soldiers, millions of internally displaced persons, and those in occupied territories to participate, and additionally, how to constitutionally hold elections when a state of war is active.

He sought guidance from allies on safeguarding the elections, and from MPs on how to amend the legislation to allow a election. "{I am waiting for suggestions from allies, I am expecting proposals from our MPs, and I am willing to proceed with the elections," affirmed Zelenskyy.

Broader Political Background

Zelenskyy was speaking while traveling back to Ukraine after completing a diplomatic tour to various EU nations. This occurs while the U.S. administration has reportedly increasing pressure on Kyiv to sign a ceasefire agreement.

Over the weekend, Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr., asserted at a conference that Zelenskyy was dragging out the war due to fears of electoral defeat. He also indicated that his father might "disengage" from Ukraine if the hostilities persists. "{It's not true. But it's not precisely wrong," responded Trump, when questioned about his son's statement.

Reports indicate that the U.S. has proposed Ukraine should give up the eastern territories to secure peace, a move that would be highly unpopular within Ukraine. Furthermore, there is currently no evidence that Russia is ready to accept any agreement, including one that might appear beneficial to Moscow.