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The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated he is prepared to hold a presidential election amid the ongoing war, provided that Ukraine's parliament and foreign partners approve. This statement comes after claims from the U.S. President that he was holding onto his position.

Visibly annoyed by the comments from overseas, Zelenskyy underscored that "This is a matter for the people of Ukraine, and not for individuals from partner countries, with all appropriate respect to our friends."

Nevertheless, he promised to explore possibilities for scheduling a election in the near future. "Given that this topic is currently being posed by the President of the U.S., our ally, I will respond directly: look, I am prepared for elections," Zelenskyy remarked on Tuesday night.

"Furthermore, I am requesting ... the United States to assist me, possibly in conjunction with EU counterparts, to guarantee protection for the elections, and subsequently within the following 60-90 day period Ukraine will be able to conduct the elections. I personally have the will and willingness for this," he concluded.

Trump's Comments and The Country's Legal Situation

These remarks were voiced by Trump in a lengthy interview conducted by Politico earlier on Tuesday. "Ukraine have not held an election in a considerable period," stated the American leader. "You know, they talk about a democratic nation, but it gets to a stage where it's no longer democratic any more."

Zelenskyy's five-year term officially ended in May of last year, but the Ukrainian constitution bans elections during martial law. Even, his critics have stated repeatedly that safety and practical realities prevent organizing an election during hostilities.

"Holding a vote would only cause harm," commented an opposition MP. "Zelenskyy is the supreme military commander, and the country is in a position where we lack that possibility, whatever problems we might have with him. It would only aid the opponent," he concluded.

Practical and Constitutional Challenges

Zelenskyy highlighted two primary problems that must be resolved: the practical challenge of allowing soldiers, millions of internally displaced persons, and those living under occupation to vote, and additionally, how to constitutionally hold elections while martial law is ongoing.

He asked for counsel from partner nations on securing the elections, and from lawmakers on how to change the law to allow a vote. "{I am waiting for ideas from partners, I am waiting for ideas from our MPs, and I am willing to go to the elections," stated Zelenskyy.

Wider Diplomatic Background

Zelenskyy was speaking while returning to Ukraine after wrapping up a diplomatic tour to various EU nations. This coincides with the U.S. administration has reportedly increasing pressure on Kyiv to accept a ceasefire agreement.

Earlier, Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr., claimed at a conference that Zelenskyy was extending the war due to concerns of losing power. He also indicated that his father might "disengage" from Ukraine if the conflict does not end. "{It's not correct. But it's not exactly wrong," commented Trump, when asked about his son's allegation.

It has been suggested that the U.S. has proposed Ukraine should cede the Donbas region to secure peace, a concession that would be highly unpopular within Ukraine. Furthermore, there is currently little indication that Russia is willing to agree to any agreement, even a deal that might appear favorable to Moscow.