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Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated he is willing to organize a national election during the current war, if the Verkhovna Rada and foreign partners allow it. This statement follows accusations from Donald Trump that he was clinging to power.

Visibly annoyed by the remarks from overseas, Zelenskyy stressed that "The decision for the people of Ukraine, not for individuals from partner countries, with all appropriate respect to our friends."

Nevertheless, he vowed to examine options for carrying out a vote in the near future. "Given that this question is now being raised by the President of the United States, our key partner, I will respond directly: look, I am willing for elections," Zelenskyy said on Tuesday night.

"Furthermore, I am calling on ... the United States to assist me, perhaps alongside EU colleagues, to ensure security for the vote, and then within the next 60 to 90 days Ukraine will be able to conduct the elections. I myself have the determination and preparedness for this," he added.

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

These remarks were voiced by Trump in a rambling interview conducted by the publication Politico earlier on Tuesday. "They have not held an election in a considerable period," claimed the U.S. president. "Understand, they claim to be a democracy, but it becomes a situation where it's undemocratic any more."

Zelenskyy's mandate expired in May of last year, but the nation's constitution forbids elections during armed conflict. Furthermore, his political opponents have consistently argued that security and practical realities prevent holding an election during hostilities.

"It would only cause harm," commented an opposition MP. "Zelenskyy is the supreme military commander, and the country is in a state where we lack that possibility, regardless of disagreements we might have with him. It would only aid the enemy," he added.

Logistical and Legal Challenges

Zelenskyy pointed out two major problems that require solutions: the practical issue of allowing military personnel, the many internally displaced persons, and those in occupied territories to cast ballots, and additionally, how to legally conduct a vote while a state of war is ongoing.

He asked for guidance from allies on protecting the elections, and from lawmakers on how to modify the law to enable a election. "{I am waiting for proposals from partners, I am waiting for suggestions from our parliamentarians, and I am willing to participate in the elections," stated Zelenskyy.

Wider Diplomatic Background

Zelenskyy was speaking while traveling back to Ukraine after completing a round of talks to multiple European capitals. This comes as the White House has reportedly pushing on Kyiv to agree to a ceasefire agreement.

Earlier, Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr., claimed at a forum that Zelenskyy was dragging out the war due to concerns of electoral defeat. He also suggested that his father might "withdraw support" from Ukraine if the conflict does not end. "{It's not true. But it's not entirely wrong," said Trump, when questioned about his son's allegation.

There are indications that the U.S. has suggested Ukraine should give up the Donbas region to achieve peace, a proposal that would be highly controversial within Ukraine. Additionally, there is as of now little indication that Russia is ready to accept any agreement, even a deal that might seem advantageous to Moscow.