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The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated he is ready to conduct a national election during the ongoing war, provided that the Verkhovna Rada and international allies give their consent. This comment comes after allegations from Donald Trump that he was clinging to power.

Clearly irritated by the intervention from overseas, Zelenskyy underscored that "This is a matter for the citizens of Ukraine, not for individuals from other nations, with all appropriate respect to our allies."

However, he pledged to investigate possibilities for scheduling a poll in the near future. "Given that this topic is currently being posed by the President of the U.S., our ally, I will reply briefly: understand, I am prepared for elections," Zelenskyy remarked on Tuesday night.

"In addition, I am requesting ... the U.S. to support me, potentially together with EU partners, to ensure protection for the polls, and then within the next 60 to 90 days Ukraine will be prepared to conduct the elections. I individually have the will and willingness for this," he continued.

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

The comments were expressed by Trump in a lengthy interview released by Politico earlier on Tuesday. "They haven't had an election in a considerable period," claimed the American leader. "You know, they talk about a democracy, but it becomes a situation where it's no longer democratic any more."

Zelenskyy's presidential term came to an end in May of last year, but the country's fundamental law forbids elections during armed conflict. Furthermore, his political opponents have consistently argued that safety and political considerations make it impossible holding an election during hostilities.

"It would only cause harm," said an opposition MP. "He's the supreme military commander, and the country is in a position where we lack that option, regardless of problems we might have with him. It would only aid the opponent," he continued.

Practical and Legal Obstacles

Zelenskyy pointed out two primary issues that must be resolved: the practical challenge of permitting soldiers, the many internally displaced persons, and those in occupied territories to vote, and additionally, how to legally hold elections given that a state of war is ongoing.

He requested guidance from allies on protecting the elections, and from lawmakers on how to amend the constitution to enable a election. "{I am waiting for proposals from allies, I am waiting for suggestions from our MPs, and I am willing to participate in the elections," stated Zelenskyy.

Wider Political Background

Zelenskyy made these remarks while traveling back to Ukraine after completing a series of visits to multiple EU nations. This comes as the White House has reportedly been increasing pressure on Kyiv to agree to a settlement.

Over the weekend, Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr., claimed at a conference that Zelenskyy was extending the war due to worries of losing power. He also indicated that his father might "disengage" from Ukraine if the hostilities does not end. "{It's not accurate. But it's not precisely wrong," responded Trump, when asked about his son's statement.

There are indications that the U.S. has floated the idea Ukraine should give up the Donbas region to achieve peace, a concession that would be highly unpopular within Ukraine. Additionally, there is as of now little indication that Russia is willing to sign any deal, even one that might appear advantageous to Moscow.