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Ukrainian leader Zelenskyy has stated he is willing to organize a presidential election amid the ongoing war, on the condition that Ukraine's parliament and foreign partners allow it. This statement comes after accusations from the U.S. President that he was clinging to power.

Visibly frustrated by the remarks from abroad, Zelenskyy underscored that "The decision for the people of Ukraine, not for individuals from other nations, with all due respect to our partners."

Nonetheless, he vowed to examine avenues for scheduling a poll in the coming months. "Given that this topic is now being raised by the President of the United States, our key partner, I will answer directly: listen, I am prepared for elections," Zelenskyy remarked on Tuesday evening.

"Moreover, I am requesting ... the U.S. to support me, perhaps in conjunction with European partners, to guarantee protection for the vote, and afterwards within the coming two to three months Ukraine will be able to organize the elections. I myself have the desire and willingness for this," he continued.

The U.S. President's Criticism and Ukrainian Legal Reality

These remarks were expressed by Trump in a rambling interview conducted by the publication Politico earlier on Tuesday. "Ukraine haven't had an election in a considerable period," said the U.S. president. "Understand, they claim to be a democratic nation, but it becomes a situation where it's not a democracy any more."

Zelenskyy's mandate came to an end in May of last year, but the Ukrainian constitution prohibits elections in a time of wartime. Even, his rivals have consistently argued that security and practical factors make it impossible organizing an election amid the ongoing conflict.

"Holding a vote would only be detrimental," stated an opposition MP. "Zelenskyy is the supreme military commander, and the country is in a position where we don't have that option, whatever disagreements we might have with him. It would only aid the enemy," he concluded.

Logistical and Legal Challenges

Zelenskyy identified two major questions that must be resolved: the practical challenge of enabling soldiers, millions of displaced people, and those living under occupation to vote, and additionally, how to constitutionally hold elections given that a state of war is active.

He requested guidance from allies on safeguarding the elections, and from MPs on how to modify the law to allow a vote. "{I am awaiting ideas from partners, I am waiting for proposals from our parliamentarians, and I am prepared to go to the elections," said Zelenskyy.

Wider Diplomatic Background

Zelenskyy was speaking while returning to Ukraine after concluding a series of visits to several European capitals. This comes as the U.S. administration has reportedly been pushing on Kyiv to sign a settlement.

Recently, Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr., suggested at a conference that Zelenskyy was extending the war due to concerns of electoral defeat. He also suggested that his father might "withdraw support" from Ukraine if the hostilities does not end. "{It's not accurate. But it's not entirely wrong," commented Trump, when asked about his son's claim.

It has been suggested that the U.S. has floated the idea Ukraine should give up the Donbas region to secure peace, a proposal that would be highly controversial within Ukraine. Furthermore, there is currently no evidence that Russia is willing to accept any agreement, even a deal that might appear beneficial to Moscow.