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The President of Ukraine Zelenskyy has declared he is ready to hold a presidential election amid the current war, if Ukraine's parliament and foreign partners allow it. This statement comes after claims from Donald Trump that he was clinging to power.

Obviously irritated by the intervention from abroad, Zelenskyy stressed that "The decision for the citizens of Ukraine, and not for individuals from other nations, with all appropriate respect to our friends."

However, he promised to examine options for holding a vote in the coming months. "Since this question is brought up by the leader of the United States, our ally, I will respond succinctly: understand, I am ready for elections," Zelenskyy stated on Tuesday night.

"In addition, I am asking ... the U.S. to help me, potentially together with EU colleagues, to guarantee security for the vote, and afterwards within the next 60 to 90 days Ukraine will be able to conduct the elections. I personally have the determination and readiness for this," he added.

Trump's Assertions and Ukrainian Constitutional Reality

These remarks were expressed by Trump in a lengthy interview conducted by the publication Politico earlier on Tuesday. "They have not held an election in a while," claimed the U.S. president. "You know, they speak of a democracy, but it reaches a point where it's undemocratic any more."

Zelenskyy's mandate officially ended in May of last year, but the nation's constitution prohibits elections during wartime. Furthermore, his political opponents have consistently argued that safety and political realities make it impossible organizing an election amid the ongoing conflict.

"Holding a vote would only be detrimental," stated a lawmaker from the Holos party. "He's the commander-in-chief, and the country is in a state where we don't have that luxury, whatever disagreements we might have with him. It would only aid the adversary," he continued.

Practical and Legal Obstacles

Zelenskyy highlighted two key problems that require solutions: the logistical issue of allowing military personnel, millions of internally displaced persons, and those in occupied territories to cast ballots, and additionally, how to constitutionally hold elections given that a state of war is ongoing.

He sought counsel from partner nations on safeguarding the elections, and from lawmakers on how to modify the legislation to enable a vote. "{I am expecting suggestions from partners, I am expecting proposals from our parliamentarians, and I am willing to proceed with the elections," said Zelenskyy.

Wider Political Background

Zelenskyy was speaking while returning to Ukraine after completing a series of visits to multiple European capitals. This comes as the White House has reportedly applying pressure on Kyiv to sign a peace deal.

Over the weekend, Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr., asserted at a conference that Zelenskyy was extending the war due to fears of losing power. He also suggested that his father might "withdraw support" from Ukraine if the conflict persists. "{It's not correct. But it's not exactly wrong," commented Trump, when questioned about his son's statement.

There are indications that the U.S. has floated the idea Ukraine should give up the eastern territories to secure peace, a move that would be extremely controversial within Ukraine. Additionally, there is as of now no evidence that Russia is prepared to agree to any agreement, even a deal that might seem favorable to Moscow.