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Ukrainian leader Zelenskyy has announced he is prepared to conduct a presidential election amid the ongoing war, if the Verkhovna Rada and international allies allow it. This announcement is a response to claims from the U.S. President that he was holding onto his position.

Clearly irritated by the comments from overseas, Zelenskyy stressed that "This question for the citizens of Ukraine, rather than for individuals from partner countries, with all necessary respect to our friends."

Nevertheless, he vowed to examine options for carrying out a poll in the next few months. "Given that this issue is brought up by the leader of the United States, our ally, I will answer directly: look, I am ready for elections," Zelenskyy remarked on Tuesday night.

"In addition, I am requesting ... the United States to assist me, perhaps together with European partners, to guarantee safety for the vote, and afterwards within the following 60-90 day period Ukraine will be prepared to hold the elections. I myself have the will and preparedness for this," he added.

Trump's Criticism and The Country's Legal Situation

The comments were voiced by Trump in a wide-ranging interview published by the publication Politico earlier on Tuesday. "They have not held an election in a long time," stated the American leader. "Understand, they speak of a democratic nation, but it reaches a point where it's undemocratic any more."

Zelenskyy's five-year term came to an end in May of last year, but the country's fundamental law forbids elections in a time of martial law. Furthermore, his rivals have stated repeatedly that safety and political considerations do not permit holding an election amid the ongoing conflict.

"Doing so would only cause harm," stated a lawmaker from the Holos party. "Zelenskyy is the commander-in-chief, and the country is in a situation where we lack that luxury, whatever disagreements we might have with him. It would only help the adversary," he continued.

Practical and Constitutional Obstacles

Zelenskyy identified two major problems that need solving: the practical challenge of allowing military personnel, the many displaced people, and those living under occupation to vote, and secondly, how to legally hold elections when martial law is ongoing.

He asked for counsel from partner nations on safeguarding the elections, and from MPs on how to modify the law to permit a election. "{I am waiting for proposals from partners, I am waiting for ideas from our parliamentarians, and I am prepared to participate in the elections," stated Zelenskyy.

Wider Political Context

Zelenskyy was speaking while traveling back to Ukraine after wrapping up a series of visits to multiple EU nations. This comes as the White House has reportedly pushing on Kyiv to accept a peace deal.

Recently, Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr., claimed at a forum that Zelenskyy was dragging out the war due to fears of being ousted. He also hinted that his father might "disengage" from Ukraine if the hostilities continues. "{It's not accurate. But it's not exactly wrong," commented Trump, when questioned about his son's statement.

It has been suggested that the U.S. has proposed Ukraine should cede the Donbas region to secure peace, a move that would be extremely unpopular within Ukraine. Additionally, there is presently no sign that Russia is willing to accept any deal, even one that might appear beneficial to Moscow.