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The President of Ukraine Zelenskyy has declared he is willing to hold a presidential election amid the ongoing war, if Ukraine's parliament and foreign partners approve. This statement comes after accusations from the U.S. President that he was holding onto his position.

Obviously annoyed by the comments from abroad, Zelenskyy stressed that "The decision for the people of Ukraine, and not for individuals from other nations, with all due respect to our friends."

Nonetheless, he pledged to investigate options for carrying out a vote in the coming months. "Since this topic is now being raised by the President of the U.S., our ally, I will answer briefly: listen, I am ready for elections," Zelenskyy stated on Tuesday evening.

"In addition, I am asking ... the U.S. to assist me, perhaps alongside EU colleagues, to ensure protection for the vote, and then within the following 60-90 day period Ukraine will be able to organize the elections. I myself have the will and willingness for this," he concluded.

Trump's Comments and The Country's Legal Situation

This criticism were expressed by Trump in a rambling interview released by the publication Politico earlier on Tuesday. "They have not held an election in a while," claimed the U.S. president. "You know, they speak of a democratic nation, but it becomes a situation where it's undemocratic any more."

Zelenskyy's presidential term expired in May of last year, but the country's fundamental law prohibits elections in a time of martial law. Furthermore, his critics have consistently argued that security and political factors make it impossible holding an election during hostilities.

"Holding a vote would only create damage," said a lawmaker from the Holos party. "He's the supreme military commander, and the country is in a position where we don't have that option, regardless of issues we might have with him. It would only benefit the enemy," he added.

Logistical and Legal Hurdles

Zelenskyy highlighted two primary issues that need solving: the logistical issue of permitting soldiers, the many internally displaced persons, and those living under occupation to cast ballots, and secondly, how to constitutionally hold elections when a state of war is in effect.

He asked for advice from allies on safeguarding the elections, and from lawmakers on how to change the constitution to enable a election. "{I am awaiting proposals from partners, I am waiting for proposals from our MPs, and I am prepared to go to the elections," stated Zelenskyy.

Wider Political Background

Zelenskyy made these remarks while returning to Ukraine after wrapping up a round of talks to multiple EU nations. This coincides with the U.S. administration has reportedly been applying pressure on Kyiv to accept a ceasefire agreement.

Over the weekend, Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr., asserted at a conference that Zelenskyy was extending the war due to fears of losing power. He also suggested that his father might "walk away" from Ukraine if the conflict does not end. "{It's not accurate. But it's not precisely wrong," said Trump, when questioned about his son's statement.

There are indications that the U.S. has suggested Ukraine should relinquish the Donbas region to achieve peace, a concession that would be extremely rejected within Ukraine. Additionally, there is currently no sign that Russia is prepared to agree to any agreement, even one that might seem beneficial to Moscow.