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Ukrainian leader Zelenskyy has declared he is prepared to organize a national election during the current war, provided that the Verkhovna Rada and international allies allow it. This announcement follows claims from the U.S. President that he was refusing to relinquish control.

Clearly irritated by the comments from overseas, Zelenskyy emphasized that "This question for the people of Ukraine, rather than for individuals from partner countries, with all necessary respect to our friends."

Nonetheless, he vowed to investigate possibilities for scheduling a poll in the next few months. "Given that this issue is brought up by the leader of the United States, our ally, I will reply briefly: understand, I am prepared for elections," Zelenskyy remarked on Tuesday night.

"Furthermore, I am calling on ... the U.S. to help me, perhaps in conjunction with European partners, to guarantee protection for the polls, and subsequently within the coming two to three months Ukraine will be prepared to organize the elections. I personally have the will and readiness for this," he added.

Trump's Comments and Ukrainian Legal Situation

The comments were expressed by Trump in a wide-ranging interview released by Politico earlier on Tuesday. "Ukraine have not held an election in a long time," said the American leader. "Understand, they claim to be a democratic nation, but it gets to a stage where it's undemocratic any more."

Zelenskyy's presidential term came to an end in May of last year, but the nation's constitution bans elections during martial law. Even, his rivals have often said that safety and political realities make it impossible holding an election during hostilities.

"It would only cause harm," said an opposition MP. "He's the supreme military commander, and the country is in a position where we don't have that option, regardless of problems we might have with him. It would only help the enemy," he continued.

Practical and Legal Obstacles

Zelenskyy pointed out two major problems that must be resolved: the practical issue of permitting soldiers, millions of displaced people, and those living under occupation to vote, and additionally, how to constitutionally conduct a vote when a state of war is active.

He requested guidance from partner nations on safeguarding the elections, and from MPs on how to amend the constitution to allow a vote. "{I am waiting for proposals from partners, I am expecting proposals from our parliamentarians, and I am prepared to go to the elections," said Zelenskyy.

Broader Political Context

Zelenskyy made these remarks while returning to Ukraine after wrapping up a series of visits to various EU nations. This comes as the U.S. administration has reportedly been applying pressure on Kyiv to sign a peace deal.

Recently, Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr., asserted at a conference that Zelenskyy was extending the war due to fears of losing power. He also suggested that his father might "disengage" from Ukraine if the war continues. "{It's not true. But it's not precisely wrong," responded Trump, when questioned about his son's statement.

Reports indicate that the U.S. has suggested Ukraine should give up the eastern territories to achieve peace, a proposal that would be extremely unpopular within Ukraine. Additionally, there is presently no sign that Russia is ready to sign any agreement, even a deal that might appear favorable to Moscow.