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Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy has declared he is prepared to hold a national election during the ongoing war, provided that the Verkhovna Rada and international allies allow it. This comment is a response to claims from Donald Trump that he was refusing to relinquish control.

Clearly frustrated by the remarks from abroad, Zelenskyy emphasized that "This question for the people of Ukraine, and not for individuals from foreign states, with all due respect to our allies."

Nonetheless, he pledged to explore avenues for holding a vote in the next few months. "Given that this topic is currently being posed by the leader of the U.S., our ally, I will respond briefly: understand, I am ready for elections," Zelenskyy said on Tuesday night.

"Moreover, I am asking ... the United States to support me, potentially in conjunction with EU counterparts, to guarantee security for the elections, and then within the coming two to three months Ukraine will be ready to conduct the elections. I personally have the determination and preparedness for this," he continued.

Trump's Comments and Ukrainian Legal Situation

This criticism were expressed by Trump in a wide-ranging interview published by Politico earlier on Tuesday. "They have not held an election in a long time," stated the American leader. "Understand, they talk about a democracy, but it becomes a situation where it's undemocratic any more."

Zelenskyy's presidential term expired in May of last year, but the nation's constitution forbids elections in a time of wartime. Furthermore, his rivals have consistently argued that security and political realities make it impossible organizing an election while the war continues.

"Holding a vote would only cause harm," commented an opposition MP. "Zelenskyy is 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 benefit the adversary," he added.

Practical and Constitutional Challenges

Zelenskyy highlighted two primary issues that need solving: the logistical issue of enabling soldiers, the many refugees, and those living under occupation to cast ballots, and additionally, how to lawfully hold elections when a state of war is active.

He requested advice from allies on safeguarding the elections, and from MPs on how to change the constitution to enable a vote. "{I am expecting ideas from allies, I am awaiting ideas from our MPs, and I am ready to proceed with the elections," stated Zelenskyy.

Wider Diplomatic Background

Zelenskyy made these remarks while returning to Ukraine after wrapping up a series of visits to several EU nations. This coincides with the U.S. administration has reportedly been pushing on Kyiv to sign a settlement.

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

Reports indicate that the U.S. has suggested Ukraine should give up the Donbas region to secure peace, a concession that would be highly controversial within Ukraine. Furthermore, there is presently no evidence that Russia is willing to sign any deal, even a deal that might seem beneficial to Moscow.