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Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced he is prepared to hold a presidential election amid the ongoing war, provided that Ukraine's parliament and international allies give their consent. This statement is a response to allegations from the U.S. President that he was refusing to relinquish control.

Clearly irritated by the comments from overseas, Zelenskyy emphasized that "This question for the citizens of Ukraine, and not for individuals from partner countries, with all appropriate respect to our partners."

However, he vowed to examine possibilities for scheduling a election in the near future. "Because this topic is currently being posed by the President of the United States, our key partner, I will answer succinctly: look, I am ready for elections," Zelenskyy remarked on Tuesday evening.

"Moreover, I am asking ... the United States to help me, perhaps together with European partners, to guarantee safety for the elections, and then within the coming two to three months Ukraine will be able to organize the elections. I myself have the determination and readiness for this," he concluded.

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

This criticism were expressed by Trump in a rambling interview released by Politico earlier on Tuesday. "Ukraine haven't had an election in a long time," claimed the American leader. "Understand, they speak of a democratic nation, but it becomes a situation where it's undemocratic any more."

Zelenskyy's presidential term came to an end in May of last year, but the nation's constitution forbids elections in a time of armed conflict. Furthermore, his rivals have stated repeatedly that safety and practical factors prevent organizing an election while the war continues.

"Holding a vote would only create damage," said a lawmaker from the Holos party. "He's the supreme military commander, and the country is in a state where we don't have that option, whatever issues we might have with him. It would only aid the enemy," he continued.

Logistical and Legal Obstacles

Zelenskyy identified two key questions that require solutions: the logistical issue of enabling soldiers, millions of refugees, and those living under occupation to cast ballots, and additionally, how to legally hold elections given that martial law is active.

He asked for advice from partner nations on protecting the elections, and from lawmakers on how to modify the law to allow a vote. "{I am waiting for proposals from allies, I am waiting for suggestions from our parliamentarians, and I am prepared to go to the elections," affirmed Zelenskyy.

Wider Political Context

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

Recently, Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr., asserted at a conference that Zelenskyy was dragging out the war due to fears of electoral defeat. He also indicated that his father might "withdraw support" from Ukraine if the conflict persists. "{It's not true. But it's not precisely wrong," said Trump, when asked about his son's claim.

It has been suggested that the U.S. has suggested Ukraine should relinquish the eastern territories to achieve peace, a proposal that would be highly unpopular within Ukraine. Furthermore, there is as of now no evidence that Russia is willing to sign any deal, even a deal that might seem favorable to Moscow.