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Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced he is willing to organize a presidential election during the current war, on the condition that Ukraine's parliament and international allies allow it. This statement is a response to accusations from Donald Trump that he was holding onto his position.

Obviously annoyed by the remarks from overseas, Zelenskyy emphasized that "This question for the citizens of Ukraine, and not for individuals from partner countries, with all due respect to our allies."

Nevertheless, he pledged to explore possibilities for holding a poll in the next few months. "Because this question is now being raised by the leader of the United States, our key partner, I will answer succinctly: listen, I am ready for elections," Zelenskyy remarked on Tuesday evening.

"Moreover, I am calling on ... the U.S. to assist 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 prepared to hold the elections. I individually have the determination and willingness for this," he concluded.

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

The comments were voiced by Trump in a rambling interview conducted by the publication Politico earlier on Tuesday. "They haven't had an election in a long time," stated the U.S. president. "Consider this, they speak of a democratic nation, but it reaches a point where it's undemocratic any more."

Zelenskyy's mandate came to an end in May of last year, but the country's fundamental law forbids elections in a time of wartime. Furthermore, his critics have consistently argued that safety and practical factors make it impossible organizing an election amid the ongoing conflict.

"It would only create damage," said an opposition MP. "He's the commander-in-chief, and the country is in a state where we lack that luxury, regardless of disagreements we might have with him. It would only aid the adversary," he concluded.

Logistical and Legal Obstacles

Zelenskyy pointed out two key problems that require solutions: the practical challenge of enabling military personnel, millions of internally displaced persons, and those living under occupation to cast ballots, and secondly, how to constitutionally conduct a vote when a state of war is in effect.

He sought advice from partner nations on securing the elections, and from members of parliament on how to modify the legislation to enable a vote. "{I am waiting for suggestions from allies, I am waiting for suggestions from our MPs, and I am willing to proceed with the elections," affirmed Zelenskyy.

Wider Diplomatic Background

Zelenskyy made these remarks while traveling back to Ukraine after wrapping up a round of talks to multiple EU nations. This comes as the U.S. administration has reportedly applying pressure on Kyiv to accept a peace deal.

Recently, Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr., suggested at a forum that Zelenskyy was prolonging the war due to concerns of electoral defeat. He also suggested that his father might "withdraw support" from Ukraine if the war persists. "{It's not correct. But it's not exactly wrong," commented Trump, when asked about his son's claim.

It has been suggested that the U.S. has floated the idea Ukraine should cede the Donbas region to secure peace, a move that would be deeply unpopular within Ukraine. Additionally, there is currently no evidence that Russia is prepared to agree to any deal, including one that might seem favorable to Moscow.