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The President of Ukraine Zelenskyy has stated he is ready to hold a presidential election amid the ongoing war, if the Verkhovna Rada and foreign partners approve. This announcement is a response to accusations from the U.S. President that he was holding onto his position.

Obviously annoyed by the remarks from abroad, Zelenskyy underscored that "This is a matter for the citizens of Ukraine, and not for individuals from partner countries, with all due respect to our partners."

Nevertheless, he vowed to explore options for holding a poll in the coming months. "Because this topic is now being raised by the President of the United States, our ally, I will answer directly: look, I am prepared for elections," Zelenskyy remarked on Tuesday evening.

"Furthermore, I am requesting ... the United States to assist me, possibly alongside EU colleagues, to provide protection for the polls, and subsequently within the next 60 to 90 days Ukraine will be able to hold the elections. I myself have the desire and readiness for this," he concluded.

Trump's Criticism and Ukrainian Legal Situation

The comments were made by Trump in a wide-ranging interview published by the publication Politico earlier on Tuesday. "They have not held an election in a while," stated the U.S. president. "You know, they claim to be a democratic nation, but it gets to a stage where it's undemocratic any more."

Zelenskyy's mandate expired in May of last year, but the Ukrainian constitution forbids elections during martial law. Even, his political opponents have often said that safety and political factors do not permit organizing an election amid the ongoing conflict.

"Holding a vote would only be detrimental," said an opposition MP. "Zelenskyy is the commander-in-chief, and the country is in a position where we lack that possibility, whatever problems we might have with him. It would only aid the opponent," he added.

Practical and Legal Challenges

Zelenskyy pointed out two key issues that require solutions: the logistical challenge of permitting military personnel, the many internally displaced persons, and those in occupied territories to cast ballots, and additionally, how to legally hold elections when martial law is ongoing.

He requested guidance from partner nations on protecting the elections, and from members of parliament on how to change the law to enable a vote. "{I am waiting for ideas from partners, I am waiting for proposals from our parliamentarians, and I am prepared to proceed with the elections," affirmed Zelenskyy.

Broader Diplomatic Context

Zelenskyy made these remarks while returning to Ukraine after wrapping up a diplomatic tour to multiple European capitals. This coincides with the U.S. administration has reportedly applying pressure on Kyiv to accept a settlement.

Recently, Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr., claimed at a conference that Zelenskyy was dragging out the war due to concerns of being ousted. He also hinted that his father might "disengage" from Ukraine if the conflict persists. "{It's not accurate. But it's not precisely wrong," said Trump, when asked about his son's statement.

It has been suggested that the U.S. has floated the idea Ukraine should cede the Donbas region to achieve peace, a concession that would be deeply rejected within Ukraine. Furthermore, there is as of now no sign that Russia is ready to agree to any agreement, even one that might seem beneficial to Moscow.