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The President of Ukraine Zelenskyy has announced he is prepared to organize a presidential election during the ongoing war, provided that Ukraine's parliament and international allies allow it. This statement is a response to allegations from the U.S. President that he was refusing to relinquish control.

Obviously annoyed by the intervention from overseas, Zelenskyy stressed that "The decision for the people of Ukraine, and not for individuals from foreign states, with all appropriate respect to our friends."

Nonetheless, he promised to examine options for holding a poll in the near future. "Because this issue is now being raised by the President of the U.S., our ally, I will answer briefly: understand, I am ready for elections," Zelenskyy stated on Tuesday evening.

"Furthermore, I am requesting ... the U.S. to assist me, possibly alongside European partners, to guarantee safety for the polls, and then within the next 60 to 90 days Ukraine will be able to hold the elections. I personally have the will and willingness for this," he added.

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

This criticism were voiced by Trump in a wide-ranging interview conducted by Politico earlier on Tuesday. "They have not held an election in a long time," said the American leader. "You know, they talk about a democratic nation, but it becomes a situation where it's not a democracy any more."

Zelenskyy's five-year term came to an end in May of last year, but the nation's constitution prohibits elections during martial law. Furthermore, his rivals have stated repeatedly that safety and political considerations make it impossible holding an election while the war continues.

"Holding a vote would only create damage," said an opposition MP. "He's the commander-in-chief, and the country is in a situation where we lack that possibility, whatever problems we might have with him. It would only aid the adversary," he added.

Logistical and Constitutional Hurdles

Zelenskyy highlighted two primary issues that require solutions: the logistical issue of enabling military personnel, the many refugees, and those living under occupation to cast ballots, and secondly, how to lawfully hold elections given that a state of war is in effect.

He sought counsel from allies on securing the elections, and from members of parliament on how to amend the legislation to permit a election. "{I am expecting ideas from allies, I am waiting for ideas from our parliamentarians, and I am prepared to go to the elections," stated Zelenskyy.

Broader Diplomatic Context

Zelenskyy made these remarks while traveling back to Ukraine after completing a series of visits to various European capitals. This comes as the White House has reportedly increasing pressure on Kyiv to sign a settlement.

Recently, Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr., suggested at a conference that Zelenskyy was extending the war due to fears of electoral defeat. He also hinted that his father might "disengage" from Ukraine if the hostilities does not end. "{It's not accurate. But it's not precisely wrong," said Trump, when asked about his son's statement.

There are indications 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 presently no sign that Russia is willing to sign any agreement, including one that might seem beneficial to Moscow.