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Ukrainian leader Zelenskyy has announced he is willing to organize a presidential election amid the current war, provided that the Verkhovna Rada and international allies allow it. This announcement is a response to allegations from the U.S. President that he was refusing to relinquish control.

Visibly frustrated by the intervention from overseas, Zelenskyy stressed that "The decision for the population of Ukraine, not for individuals from other nations, with all appropriate respect to our friends."

However, he pledged to explore avenues for carrying out a poll in the coming months. "Because this question is currently being posed by the President of the U.S., our ally, I will respond succinctly: listen, I am willing for elections," Zelenskyy remarked on Tuesday evening.

"In addition, I am asking ... the United States to support me, potentially together with European colleagues, to guarantee protection for the polls, and subsequently within the following 60-90 day period Ukraine will be able to hold the elections. I personally have the desire and readiness for this," he continued.

Trump's Comments and Ukrainian Legal Reality

These remarks were expressed by Trump in a rambling interview conducted by the publication Politico earlier on Tuesday. "They haven't had an election in a considerable period," said the American leader. "You know, they claim to be a democracy, but it gets to a stage where it's not a democracy 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 martial law. Even, his critics have consistently argued that safety and practical considerations prevent holding an election amid the ongoing conflict.

"Holding a vote would only cause harm," commented Serhiy Rakhmanin. "Zelenskyy is the supreme military commander, and the country is in a position where we don't have that possibility, regardless of problems we might have with him. It would only benefit the opponent," he continued.

Practical and Constitutional Challenges

Zelenskyy pointed out two primary 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 lawfully hold elections while martial law is in effect.

He asked for counsel from partner nations on securing the elections, and from members of parliament on how to modify the legislation to allow a vote. "{I am expecting suggestions from partners, I am waiting for suggestions from our parliamentarians, and I am willing to proceed with the elections," affirmed Zelenskyy.

Wider Political Context

Zelenskyy was speaking while traveling back to Ukraine after wrapping up a round of talks to various EU nations. This occurs while the White House has reportedly pushing on Kyiv to accept a peace deal.

Over the weekend, Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr., claimed at a conference that Zelenskyy was extending the war due to fears of electoral defeat. He also suggested that his father might "disengage" from Ukraine if the hostilities persists. "{It's not true. But it's not entirely wrong," responded Trump, when questioned about his son's statement.

There are indications that the U.S. has floated the idea Ukraine should cede the eastern territories to achieve peace, a proposal that would be highly rejected within Ukraine. Furthermore, there is presently no sign that Russia is willing to accept any deal, even one that might seem beneficial to Moscow.