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Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced he is prepared to hold a presidential election during the ongoing war, if the Verkhovna Rada and international allies allow it. This statement is a response to allegations from Donald Trump that he was clinging to power.

Obviously frustrated by the intervention from overseas, Zelenskyy underscored that "The decision for the citizens of Ukraine, not for individuals from other nations, with all necessary respect to our partners."

Nevertheless, he vowed to explore options for holding a vote in the near future. "Since this issue is now being raised by the President of the United States, our key partner, I will respond briefly: understand, I am willing for elections," Zelenskyy said on Tuesday night.

"Furthermore, I am asking ... the U.S. to assist me, potentially in conjunction with European partners, to provide protection for the vote, and then within the coming two to three months Ukraine will be prepared to hold the elections. I myself have the determination and preparedness for this," he concluded.

Trump's Comments and Ukrainian Constitutional Situation

The comments were made by Trump in a wide-ranging interview published by Politico earlier on Tuesday. "Ukraine have not held an election in a considerable period," stated the U.S. president. "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 prohibits elections during wartime. Furthermore, his critics have stated repeatedly that safety and practical considerations do not permit organizing an election during hostilities.

"Doing so would only create damage," commented an opposition MP. "He's the supreme military commander, and the country is in a state where we lack that luxury, whatever problems we might have with him. It would only help the opponent," he added.

Practical and Constitutional Hurdles

Zelenskyy identified two key problems that require solutions: the logistical issue of permitting soldiers, the many internally displaced persons, and those in occupied territories to participate, and secondly, how to constitutionally hold elections given that a state of war is active.

He sought advice from allies on securing the elections, and from members of parliament on how to modify the law to allow a election. "{I am awaiting ideas from allies, I am waiting for proposals from our parliamentarians, and I am willing to go to the elections," affirmed Zelenskyy.

Wider Diplomatic Context

Zelenskyy was speaking while traveling back to Ukraine after completing a series of visits to several EU nations. This comes as the U.S. administration has reportedly applying pressure on Kyiv to sign a peace deal.

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

Reports indicate that the U.S. has floated the idea Ukraine should cede the Donbas region to secure peace, a concession that would be highly unpopular within Ukraine. Furthermore, there is currently no evidence that Russia is ready to accept any deal, even one that might seem beneficial to Moscow.