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The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated he is ready to hold a presidential election during the current war, on the condition that Ukraine's parliament and international allies approve. This statement follows allegations from the U.S. President that he was refusing to relinquish control.

Obviously annoyed by the intervention from overseas, Zelenskyy stressed that "This is a matter for the people of Ukraine, rather than for individuals from partner countries, with all appropriate respect to our allies."

However, he pledged to explore options for scheduling a poll in the next few months. "Since this question is currently being posed by the President of the U.S., our ally, I will answer briefly: understand, I am ready for elections," Zelenskyy said on Tuesday evening.

"In addition, I am asking ... the U.S. to assist me, potentially alongside European colleagues, to provide protection for the polls, and afterwards within the next 60 to 90 days Ukraine will be ready to organize the elections. I individually have the will and readiness for this," he concluded.

Trump's Comments and Ukrainian Legal Situation

The comments were expressed by Trump in a wide-ranging interview published by Politico earlier on Tuesday. "Ukraine have not held an election in a while," stated the American leader. "Understand, they talk about a democracy, but it gets to a stage where it's not a democracy any more."

Zelenskyy's presidential term officially ended in May of last year, but the nation's constitution bans elections in a time of martial law. Even, his political opponents have often said that security and practical considerations prevent holding an election while the war continues.

"Doing so would only be detrimental," stated an opposition MP. "Zelenskyy is the commander-in-chief, and the country is in a situation where we lack that possibility, whatever disagreements we might have with him. It would only help the adversary," he added.

Practical and Constitutional Hurdles

Zelenskyy identified two key questions that must be resolved: the logistical challenge of enabling military personnel, millions of refugees, and those living under occupation to participate, and additionally, how to constitutionally conduct a vote while martial law is ongoing.

He requested advice from allies on protecting the elections, and from members of parliament on how to amend the constitution to permit a vote. "{I am waiting for suggestions from allies, I am awaiting suggestions from our parliamentarians, and I am willing to participate in the elections," said Zelenskyy.

Wider Political Context

Zelenskyy was speaking while traveling back to Ukraine after concluding a series of visits to multiple EU nations. This comes as the White House has reportedly increasing pressure on Kyiv to accept a settlement.

Over the weekend, Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr., suggested at a forum that Zelenskyy was prolonging the war due to worries of being ousted. He also suggested that his father might "withdraw support" from Ukraine if the war does not end. "{It's not accurate. But it's not exactly wrong," said Trump, when questioned about his son's claim.

It has been suggested that the U.S. has proposed Ukraine should relinquish the Donbas region to achieve peace, a proposal that would be extremely rejected within Ukraine. Additionally, there is presently no sign that Russia is ready to sign any agreement, even one that might appear advantageous to Moscow.