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Ukrainian leader Zelenskyy has stated he is willing to hold a national election during the current war, provided that the Verkhovna Rada and foreign partners approve. This comment is a response to accusations from Donald Trump that he was refusing to relinquish control.

Visibly annoyed by the comments from overseas, Zelenskyy underscored that "This question for the people of Ukraine, and not for individuals from other nations, with all necessary respect to our friends."

Nevertheless, he pledged to examine options for carrying out a poll in the coming months. "Because this topic is now being raised by the President of the U.S., our ally, I will reply briefly: understand, I am prepared for elections," Zelenskyy stated on Tuesday night.

"Furthermore, I am asking ... the U.S. to assist me, potentially alongside European partners, to provide security for the elections, and then within the next 60 to 90 days Ukraine will be ready to organize the elections. I individually have the will and willingness for this," he concluded.

Trump's Assertions and Ukrainian Constitutional Reality

These remarks were voiced by Trump in a lengthy interview published by Politico earlier on Tuesday. "Ukraine have not held an election in a long time," said the American leader. "Consider this, they speak of a democratic nation, but it reaches a point where it's not a democracy any more."

Zelenskyy's presidential term came to an end in May of last year, but the Ukrainian constitution bans elections in a time of wartime. Even, his rivals have often said that safety and practical realities prevent organizing an election amid the ongoing conflict.

"It would only create damage," stated a lawmaker from the Holos party. "He's the commander-in-chief, and the country is in a state where we don't have that possibility, whatever issues we might have with him. It would only benefit the enemy," he added.

Logistical and Legal Challenges

Zelenskyy pointed out two primary questions that must be resolved: the practical challenge of enabling soldiers, millions of refugees, and those living under occupation to participate, and secondly, how to legally conduct a vote while martial law is ongoing.

He asked for guidance from allies on safeguarding the elections, and from MPs on how to amend the law to permit a vote. "{I am awaiting suggestions from allies, I am waiting for proposals from our MPs, and I am ready to participate in the elections," affirmed Zelenskyy.

Wider Diplomatic Background

Zelenskyy was speaking while returning to Ukraine after wrapping up a series of visits to several European capitals. This comes as the U.S. administration has reportedly pushing on Kyiv to accept a ceasefire agreement.

Over the weekend, Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr., claimed at a forum that Zelenskyy was prolonging the war due to fears of being ousted. He also hinted that his father might "withdraw support" from Ukraine if the war does not end. "{It's not true. But it's not precisely wrong," commented Trump, when asked about his son's claim.

There are indications that the U.S. has suggested Ukraine should give up the eastern territories to secure peace, a proposal that would be highly controversial within Ukraine. Furthermore, there is currently no evidence that Russia is willing to accept any agreement, even a deal that might appear beneficial to Moscow.