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Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated he is ready to hold a presidential election amid the ongoing war, provided that Ukraine's parliament and foreign partners allow it. This announcement comes after accusations from Donald Trump that he was clinging to power.

Clearly frustrated by the intervention from abroad, Zelenskyy emphasized that "This question for the citizens of Ukraine, rather than for individuals from other nations, with all due respect to our friends."

However, he vowed to examine options for holding a vote in the next few months. "Since this issue is currently being posed by the President of the United States, our ally, I will reply briefly: understand, I am prepared for elections," Zelenskyy said on Tuesday night.

"Furthermore, I am requesting ... the U.S. to support me, potentially in conjunction with European partners, to guarantee protection for the elections, and afterwards within the coming two to three months Ukraine will be prepared to hold the elections. I myself have the will and preparedness for this," he concluded.

Trump's Criticism and The Country's Constitutional Reality

This criticism were voiced by Trump in a wide-ranging interview conducted by the publication Politico earlier on Tuesday. "Ukraine have not held an election in a considerable period," stated the American leader. "Understand, they claim to be a democracy, but it gets to a stage where it's no longer democratic any more."

Zelenskyy's five-year term officially ended in May of last year, but the country's fundamental law bans elections in a time of martial law. Furthermore, his critics have stated repeatedly that security and practical realities make it impossible holding an election amid the ongoing conflict.

"It would only create damage," commented a lawmaker from the Holos party. "Zelenskyy is the commander-in-chief, and the country is in a position where we lack that possibility, regardless of disagreements we might have with him. It would only help the adversary," he continued.

Practical and Constitutional Challenges

Zelenskyy pointed out two key questions that need solving: the logistical challenge of enabling soldiers, millions of displaced people, and those living under occupation to vote, and secondly, how to lawfully conduct a vote while a state of war is in effect.

He asked for counsel from partner nations on safeguarding the elections, and from lawmakers on how to amend the constitution to enable a election. "{I am awaiting suggestions from partners, I am waiting for suggestions from our MPs, and I am prepared to participate in the elections," stated Zelenskyy.

Wider Political Background

Zelenskyy was speaking while returning to Ukraine after wrapping up a series of visits to multiple European capitals. This comes as the White House has reportedly applying pressure on Kyiv to accept a settlement.

Over the weekend, Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr., claimed at a conference that Zelenskyy was dragging out the war due to fears of being ousted. He also hinted that his father might "withdraw support" from Ukraine if the war persists. "{It's not accurate. But it's not exactly wrong," responded Trump, when asked about his son's allegation.

Reports indicate that the U.S. has floated the idea Ukraine should give up the eastern territories to achieve peace, a move that would be extremely unpopular within Ukraine. Additionally, there is currently no sign that Russia is prepared to agree to any deal, even one that might seem beneficial to Moscow.