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Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated he is willing to organize a presidential election amid the ongoing war, provided that Ukraine's parliament and international allies allow it. This announcement comes after allegations from Donald Trump that he was clinging to power.

Obviously irritated by the comments from overseas, Zelenskyy stressed that "This is a matter for the population of Ukraine, rather than for individuals from foreign states, with all due respect to our allies."

However, he pledged to explore avenues for carrying out a election in the coming months. "Given that this issue is now being raised by the President of the U.S., our key partner, I will respond succinctly: understand, I am ready for elections," Zelenskyy stated on Tuesday night.

"Furthermore, I am requesting ... the United States to assist me, potentially together with EU counterparts, to ensure security for the vote, and subsequently within the following 60-90 day period Ukraine will be ready to organize the elections. I myself have the determination and willingness for this," he continued.

Trump's Criticism and Ukrainian Legal Situation

These remarks were expressed by Trump in a rambling interview published by the publication Politico earlier on Tuesday. "They haven't had an election in a considerable period," said the American leader. "Consider this, they claim to be a democratic nation, but it gets to a stage where it's undemocratic any more."

Zelenskyy's presidential term officially ended in May of last year, but the country's fundamental law forbids elections in a time of armed conflict. Even, his rivals have often said that safety and political considerations prevent holding an election during hostilities.

"It would only be detrimental," said an opposition MP. "Zelenskyy is the supreme military commander, and the country is in a state where we lack that option, whatever issues we might have with him. It would only aid the enemy," he continued.

Practical and Legal Challenges

Zelenskyy pointed out two major issues that require solutions: the logistical issue of allowing soldiers, millions of displaced people, and those in occupied territories to participate, and secondly, how to legally conduct a vote when a state of war is ongoing.

He asked for advice from allies on protecting the elections, and from members of parliament on how to modify the constitution to enable a election. "{I am expecting suggestions from partners, I am expecting proposals from our MPs, and I am ready to go to the elections," said Zelenskyy.

Wider Diplomatic Context

Zelenskyy was speaking while traveling back to Ukraine after wrapping up a series of visits to various European capitals. This coincides with the U.S. administration has reportedly been applying pressure on Kyiv to accept a settlement.

Recently, Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr., asserted at a forum that Zelenskyy was dragging out the war due to worries of electoral defeat. He also hinted that his father might "disengage" from Ukraine if the war persists. "{It's not correct. But it's not precisely wrong," commented Trump, when questioned about his son's statement.

Reports indicate that the U.S. has floated the idea Ukraine should give up the eastern territories to achieve peace, a move that would be extremely controversial within Ukraine. Additionally, there is currently little indication that Russia is willing to accept any deal, even a deal that might seem favorable to Moscow.