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Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy has declared he is ready to organize a national election amid the current war, provided that Ukraine's parliament and foreign partners approve. This statement comes after claims from Donald Trump that he was holding onto his position.

Obviously annoyed by the remarks from overseas, Zelenskyy emphasized that "This is a matter for the people of Ukraine, and not for individuals from other nations, with all appropriate respect to our partners."

However, he pledged to examine options for scheduling a vote in the next few months. "Because this topic is now being raised by the President of the United States, our ally, I will answer succinctly: understand, I am willing for elections," Zelenskyy stated on Tuesday evening.

"Furthermore, I am requesting ... the U.S. to assist me, potentially together with EU partners, to ensure protection for the vote, and subsequently 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 continued.

The U.S. President's Criticism and The Country's Constitutional Reality

These remarks were voiced by Trump in a lengthy interview published by the publication Politico earlier on Tuesday. "Ukraine haven't had an election in a considerable period," said the U.S. president. "Consider this, they talk about a democratic nation, but it becomes a situation where it's not a democracy any more."

Zelenskyy's mandate expired in May of last year, but the country's fundamental law prohibits elections in a time of martial law. Furthermore, his political opponents have stated repeatedly that safety and practical considerations make it impossible holding an election during hostilities.

"Doing so would only cause harm," said Serhiy Rakhmanin. "He's the commander-in-chief, and the country is in a state where we don't have that possibility, regardless of disagreements we might have with him. It would only help the adversary," he concluded.

Logistical and Constitutional Challenges

Zelenskyy highlighted two key problems that must be resolved: the logistical issue of allowing military personnel, millions of refugees, and those in occupied territories to vote, and additionally, how to constitutionally conduct a vote when a state of war is ongoing.

He requested guidance from allies on safeguarding the elections, and from members of parliament on how to amend the constitution to permit a election. "{I am awaiting suggestions from partners, I am awaiting proposals from our MPs, and I am prepared to participate in the elections," said Zelenskyy.

Wider Diplomatic Background

Zelenskyy made these remarks while traveling back to Ukraine after concluding a round of talks to several EU nations. This comes as the U.S. administration has reportedly been pushing on Kyiv to accept a peace deal.

Recently, Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr., asserted at a conference that Zelenskyy was dragging out the war due to concerns 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 exactly wrong," responded Trump, when questioned about his son's allegation.

Reports indicate that the U.S. has suggested Ukraine should relinquish the Donbas region to achieve peace, a move that would be extremely rejected within Ukraine. Furthermore, there is as of now no sign that Russia is willing to sign any deal, including one that might appear favorable to Moscow.