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The President of Ukraine Zelenskyy has stated he is prepared to conduct a national election during the ongoing war, provided that the Verkhovna Rada and international allies give their consent. This statement comes after allegations from the U.S. President that he was refusing to relinquish control.

Clearly annoyed by the intervention from overseas, Zelenskyy underscored that "The decision for the population of Ukraine, and not for individuals from partner countries, with all appropriate respect to our partners."

Nevertheless, he promised to examine options for scheduling a election in the next few months. "Given that this topic is now being raised by the leader of the United States, our key partner, I will respond briefly: listen, I am ready for elections," Zelenskyy remarked on Tuesday evening.

"Furthermore, I am asking ... the United States to support me, perhaps alongside European partners, to provide safety for the polls, and then within the coming two to three months Ukraine will be ready to hold the elections. I myself have the determination and preparedness for this," he added.

Trump's Assertions and Ukrainian Legal Reality

This criticism were expressed by Trump in a lengthy interview published by Politico earlier on Tuesday. "They haven't had an election in a considerable period," stated the U.S. president. "Understand, they speak of a democracy, but it becomes a situation where it's not a democracy any more."

Zelenskyy's five-year term came to an end in May of last year, but the Ukrainian constitution bans elections in a time of wartime. Even, his critics have often said that safety and practical factors prevent organizing an election while the war continues.

"Doing so would only cause harm," stated an opposition MP. "He's the supreme military commander, and the country is in a state where we don't have that luxury, whatever problems we might have with him. It would only help the opponent," he added.

Practical and Constitutional Challenges

Zelenskyy pointed out two major problems that must be resolved: the logistical issue of allowing military personnel, the many refugees, and those in occupied territories to cast ballots, and additionally, how to constitutionally hold elections while martial law is ongoing.

He sought advice from partner nations on safeguarding the elections, and from lawmakers on how to amend the constitution to allow a election. "{I am waiting for suggestions from partners, I am waiting for proposals from our MPs, and I am ready to participate in the elections," stated Zelenskyy.

Broader Political Context

Zelenskyy was speaking while returning to Ukraine after wrapping up a series of visits to various European capitals. This coincides with the White House has reportedly been increasing pressure on Kyiv to agree to a ceasefire agreement.

Recently, Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr., suggested at a forum that Zelenskyy was dragging out the war due to fears of electoral defeat. He also indicated that his father might "disengage" from Ukraine if the hostilities does not end. "{It's not correct. But it's not entirely wrong," commented Trump, when asked about his son's statement.

It has been suggested that the U.S. has proposed Ukraine should cede the Donbas region to secure peace, a concession that would be deeply controversial within Ukraine. Furthermore, there is as of now little indication that Russia is prepared to agree to any deal, even a deal that might appear favorable to Moscow.