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Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced he is ready to hold a presidential election during the current war, on the condition that the Verkhovna Rada and foreign partners allow it. This statement follows allegations from Donald Trump that he was holding onto his position.

Obviously irritated by the intervention from abroad, Zelenskyy stressed that "This is a matter for the population of Ukraine, and not for individuals from partner countries, with all necessary respect to our allies."

Nonetheless, he vowed to explore avenues for carrying out a vote in the near future. "Since this question is brought up by the President of the U.S., our key partner, I will reply directly: listen, I am prepared for elections," Zelenskyy stated on Tuesday evening.

"In addition, I am requesting ... the U.S. to support me, possibly in conjunction with European partners, to ensure security 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 preparedness for this," he concluded.

The U.S. President's Assertions and The Country's Constitutional 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 while," said the U.S. president. "Consider this, they claim to be a democracy, but it becomes a situation where it's no longer democratic any more."

Zelenskyy's presidential term officially ended in May of last year, but the nation's constitution prohibits elections in a time of wartime. Even, his rivals have stated repeatedly that security and practical realities do not permit organizing an election while the war continues.

"It would only cause harm," said a lawmaker from the Holos party. "He's the supreme military commander, and the country is in a situation where we don't have that option, regardless of problems we might have with him. It would only benefit the opponent," he continued.

Logistical and Legal Hurdles

Zelenskyy identified two primary questions that need solving: the practical challenge of permitting soldiers, millions of refugees, and those living under occupation to participate, and secondly, how to lawfully hold elections given that martial law is active.

He requested guidance from allies on safeguarding the elections, and from MPs on how to change the law to permit a election. "{I am expecting suggestions from allies, I am expecting ideas from our parliamentarians, and I am prepared to participate in the elections," affirmed Zelenskyy.

Wider Diplomatic Context

Zelenskyy was speaking while traveling back to Ukraine after concluding a series of visits to various EU nations. This comes as the U.S. administration has reportedly applying pressure on Kyiv to sign a ceasefire agreement.

Earlier, Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr., asserted at a conference that Zelenskyy was extending the war due to fears of electoral defeat. He also suggested that his father might "withdraw support" from Ukraine if the conflict continues. "{It's not true. But it's not precisely wrong," responded Trump, when questioned about his son's allegation.

Reports indicate that the U.S. has suggested Ukraine should cede the eastern territories to achieve peace, a proposal that would be extremely unpopular within Ukraine. Additionally, there is currently no sign that Russia is ready to agree to any agreement, even a deal that might seem favorable to Moscow.