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Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy has declared he is ready to organize a national election during the current war, if Ukraine's parliament and foreign partners approve. This announcement is a response to allegations from Donald Trump that he was refusing to relinquish control.

Clearly frustrated by the remarks from abroad, Zelenskyy underscored that "The decision for the citizens of Ukraine, and not for individuals from foreign states, with all appropriate respect to our partners."

Nonetheless, he vowed to investigate avenues for carrying out a election in the coming months. "Given that this topic is currently being posed by the President of the U.S., our key partner, I will respond succinctly: look, I am willing for elections," Zelenskyy remarked on Tuesday night.

"In addition, I am asking ... the U.S. to support me, possibly alongside European partners, to ensure safety for the polls, and afterwards within the following 60-90 day period Ukraine will be prepared to organize the elections. I personally have the determination and readiness for this," he added.

Trump's Criticism and The Country's Legal Situation

The comments were made by Trump in a lengthy interview conducted by Politico earlier on Tuesday. "Ukraine haven't had an election in a considerable period," claimed the U.S. president. "Understand, they talk about a democracy, but it reaches a point where it's undemocratic any more."

Zelenskyy's presidential term officially ended in May of last year, but the Ukrainian constitution prohibits elections during armed conflict. Furthermore, his rivals have often said that safety and political factors prevent holding an election during hostilities.

"It would only create damage," commented a lawmaker from the Holos party. "He's the commander-in-chief, and the country is in a situation where we lack that possibility, whatever problems we might have with him. It would only aid the adversary," he added.

Practical and Constitutional Hurdles

Zelenskyy pointed out two major problems that require solutions: the practical challenge of permitting military personnel, the many refugees, and those living under occupation to participate, and secondly, how to lawfully hold elections given that a state of war is ongoing.

He sought counsel from allies on safeguarding the elections, and from MPs on how to amend the law to allow a vote. "{I am waiting for proposals from partners, I am awaiting ideas from our parliamentarians, and I am willing to go to the elections," affirmed Zelenskyy.

Broader Diplomatic Context

Zelenskyy made these remarks while traveling back to Ukraine after concluding a round of talks to several European capitals. This coincides with the U.S. administration has reportedly increasing pressure on Kyiv to sign a ceasefire agreement.

Earlier, Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr., claimed at a forum that Zelenskyy was dragging out the war due to fears of electoral defeat. He also hinted that his father might "withdraw support" from Ukraine if the war continues. "{It's not correct. But it's not entirely wrong," commented Trump, when asked about his son's claim.

Reports indicate that the U.S. has proposed Ukraine should relinquish the Donbas region to secure peace, a move that would be highly rejected within Ukraine. Furthermore, there is currently no evidence that Russia is prepared to agree to any agreement, even one that might appear advantageous to Moscow.