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The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced he is ready to conduct a presidential election amid the current war, on the condition that Ukraine's parliament and international allies give their consent. This statement follows accusations from the U.S. President that he was refusing to relinquish control.

Visibly annoyed by the comments from overseas, Zelenskyy stressed that "This question for the people of Ukraine, and not for individuals from other nations, with all due respect to our allies."

Nevertheless, he pledged to explore avenues for holding a vote in the coming months. "Since this issue is brought up by the President of the U.S., our ally, I will respond directly: look, I am prepared for elections," Zelenskyy stated on Tuesday night.

"In addition, I am calling on ... the United States to assist me, potentially alongside EU counterparts, to provide protection for the polls, and subsequently within the next 60 to 90 days Ukraine will be able to hold the elections. I individually have the determination and readiness for this," he continued.

Trump's Comments and The Country's Legal Situation

This criticism were made by Trump in a wide-ranging interview released by the publication Politico earlier on Tuesday. "Ukraine have not held an election in a considerable period," said the American leader. "Consider this, they claim to be a democracy, but it becomes a situation where it's no longer democratic any more."

Zelenskyy's five-year term came to an end in May of last year, but the nation's constitution forbids elections during wartime. Even, his political opponents have often said that safety and political realities prevent organizing an election amid the ongoing conflict.

"Holding a vote would only cause harm," stated an opposition MP. "Zelenskyy is the supreme military commander, and the country is in a situation where we don't have that luxury, regardless of disagreements we might have with him. It would only aid the opponent," he added.

Logistical and Constitutional Challenges

Zelenskyy highlighted two major issues that require solutions: the logistical challenge of enabling military personnel, the many displaced people, and those living under occupation to cast ballots, and additionally, how to lawfully hold elections while martial law is active.

He sought counsel from partner nations on safeguarding the elections, and from MPs on how to change the law to allow a vote. "{I am expecting proposals from allies, I am waiting for proposals from our MPs, and I am ready to proceed with the elections," said Zelenskyy.

Broader Diplomatic Context

Zelenskyy made these remarks while traveling back to Ukraine after wrapping up a diplomatic tour to several European capitals. This comes as the White House has reportedly pushing on Kyiv to agree to a peace deal.

Recently, Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr., claimed at a conference that Zelenskyy was prolonging the war due to concerns of electoral defeat. He also hinted that his father might "withdraw support" from Ukraine if the war does not end. "{It's not true. But it's not entirely wrong," responded Trump, when questioned about his son's statement.

Reports indicate that the U.S. has proposed Ukraine should give up the eastern territories to achieve peace, a proposal that would be deeply controversial within Ukraine. Additionally, there is currently little indication that Russia is willing to agree to any agreement, including one that might appear favorable to Moscow.