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The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has declared he is willing to organize a national election amid the current war, if the Verkhovna Rada and foreign partners approve. This statement is a response to allegations from Donald Trump that he was refusing to relinquish control.

Clearly frustrated by the remarks from overseas, Zelenskyy underscored that "This question for the population of Ukraine, not for individuals from foreign states, with all necessary respect to our allies."

Nevertheless, he promised to investigate options for scheduling a poll in the next few months. "Since this question is now being raised by the President of the U.S., our ally, I will reply directly: look, I am prepared for elections," Zelenskyy said on Tuesday evening.

"Furthermore, I am asking ... the United States to help me, potentially in conjunction with EU colleagues, to guarantee safety for the polls, and subsequently within the following 60-90 day period Ukraine will be prepared to organize the elections. I individually have the desire and readiness for this," he continued.

The U.S. President's Comments and The Country's Constitutional Situation

The comments were voiced by Trump in a rambling interview conducted by the publication Politico earlier on Tuesday. "Ukraine haven't had an election in a considerable period," stated the U.S. president. "You know, they talk about a democracy, but it becomes a situation where it's undemocratic any more."

Zelenskyy's five-year term officially ended in May of last year, but the country's fundamental law prohibits elections in a time of armed conflict. Even, his critics have consistently argued that safety and practical realities do not permit organizing an election amid the ongoing conflict.

"It would only be detrimental," commented an opposition MP. "Zelenskyy is the commander-in-chief, and the country is in a state where we lack that possibility, regardless of problems we might have with him. It would only help the adversary," he added.

Logistical and Legal Challenges

Zelenskyy identified two major issues that need solving: the logistical issue of allowing soldiers, the many displaced people, and those in occupied territories to cast ballots, and additionally, how to constitutionally conduct a vote when martial law is active.

He sought guidance from partner nations on protecting the elections, and from members of parliament on how to modify the law to permit a election. "{I am waiting for suggestions from allies, I am awaiting ideas from our MPs, and I am prepared to go to the elections," affirmed Zelenskyy.

Wider Political Context

Zelenskyy made these remarks while traveling back to Ukraine after wrapping up a series of visits to multiple EU nations. This coincides with the White House has reportedly applying pressure on Kyiv to agree to a settlement.

Over the weekend, Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr., asserted at a conference that Zelenskyy was extending the war due to worries of losing power. He also suggested that his father might "disengage" from Ukraine if the war persists. "{It's not accurate. But it's not entirely wrong," said Trump, when questioned about his son's statement.

Reports indicate that the U.S. has suggested Ukraine should give up the Donbas region to achieve peace, a proposal that would be extremely rejected within Ukraine. Furthermore, there is presently little indication that Russia is prepared to sign any agreement, including one that might appear favorable to Moscow.