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The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated he is willing to hold a presidential election amid the ongoing war, provided that Ukraine's parliament and international allies allow it. This comment is a response to claims from the U.S. President that he was refusing to relinquish control.

Obviously annoyed by the intervention from overseas, Zelenskyy stressed that "This question for the population of Ukraine, not for individuals from foreign states, with all necessary respect to our partners."

Nonetheless, he pledged to investigate options for carrying out a vote in the next few months. "Given that this topic is brought up by the President of the U.S., our key partner, I will answer directly: listen, I am ready for elections," Zelenskyy stated on Tuesday night.

"Moreover, I am requesting ... the United States to help me, possibly together with European colleagues, to guarantee security for the polls, and subsequently within the coming two to three months Ukraine will be ready to organize the elections. I personally have the desire and willingness for this," he added.

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

These remarks were made by Trump in a lengthy interview published by Politico earlier on Tuesday. "They haven't had an election in a long time," claimed the American leader. "Understand, they speak of a democratic nation, but it gets to a stage where it's no longer democratic any more."

Zelenskyy's five-year term expired in May of last year, but the Ukrainian constitution prohibits elections in a time of wartime. Even, his critics have consistently argued that safety and practical considerations prevent holding an election during hostilities.

"Doing so would only create damage," stated an opposition MP. "Zelenskyy is the supreme military commander, and the country is in a position where we don't have that possibility, whatever issues we might have with him. It would only benefit the enemy," he concluded.

Logistical and Legal Hurdles

Zelenskyy identified two primary questions that require solutions: the practical challenge of permitting military personnel, millions of refugees, and those living under occupation to vote, and additionally, how to legally conduct a vote when martial law is ongoing.

He asked for advice from partner nations on protecting the elections, and from lawmakers on how to change the legislation to enable a vote. "{I am waiting for suggestions from partners, I am awaiting proposals from our parliamentarians, and I am ready to proceed with the elections," affirmed Zelenskyy.

Broader Political Background

Zelenskyy was speaking while traveling back to Ukraine after concluding a diplomatic tour to multiple EU nations. This comes as the U.S. administration has reportedly pushing on Kyiv to sign a ceasefire agreement.

Recently, Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr., claimed at a forum that Zelenskyy was extending the war due to worries of electoral defeat. He also indicated that his father might "walk away" from Ukraine if the conflict continues. "{It's not true. But it's not entirely wrong," commented Trump, when asked about his son's statement.

Reports indicate that the U.S. has floated the idea Ukraine should cede the Donbas region to secure peace, a move that would be extremely unpopular within Ukraine. Furthermore, there is as of now no sign that Russia is prepared to accept any deal, even a deal that might seem favorable to Moscow.