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The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated he is willing to hold a presidential election during the ongoing war, if the Verkhovna Rada and international allies give their consent. This statement follows claims from the U.S. President that he was refusing to relinquish control.

Visibly frustrated by the intervention from abroad, Zelenskyy stressed that "This is a matter for the citizens of Ukraine, not for individuals from other nations, with all due respect to our friends."

Nevertheless, he pledged to examine possibilities for holding a vote in the near future. "Because this issue is brought up by the leader of the United States, our ally, I will answer briefly: listen, I am willing for elections," Zelenskyy stated on Tuesday night.

"Furthermore, I am requesting ... the U.S. to assist me, perhaps alongside European counterparts, to provide security for the polls, and then within the coming two to three months Ukraine will be ready to organize the elections. I myself have the determination and readiness for this," he concluded.

Trump's Assertions and Ukrainian Constitutional Reality

The comments were voiced by Trump in a lengthy interview conducted by Politico earlier on Tuesday. "They have not held an election in a considerable period," said the U.S. president. "Consider this, they claim to be a democratic nation, but it gets to a stage where it's undemocratic any more."

Zelenskyy's mandate expired in May of last year, but the Ukrainian constitution bans elections in a time of wartime. Furthermore, his critics have consistently argued that security and practical realities do not permit organizing an election while the war continues.

"It would only be detrimental," said an opposition MP. "He's the commander-in-chief, and the country is in a situation where we lack that option, whatever disagreements we might have with him. It would only help the adversary," he continued.

Practical and Constitutional Hurdles

Zelenskyy pointed out two primary issues that require solutions: the logistical issue of enabling soldiers, the many displaced people, and those in occupied territories to vote, and secondly, how to legally hold elections while a state of war is ongoing.

He requested guidance from allies on securing the elections, and from members of parliament on how to modify the constitution to allow a vote. "{I am awaiting proposals from partners, I am expecting proposals from our MPs, and I am willing to participate in the elections," affirmed Zelenskyy.

Wider Political Background

Zelenskyy was speaking while traveling back to Ukraine after completing a diplomatic tour to various European capitals. This occurs while the U.S. administration has reportedly applying pressure on Kyiv to sign a ceasefire agreement.

Earlier, Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr., claimed at a conference that Zelenskyy was extending the war due to worries of losing power. He also hinted that his father might "disengage" from Ukraine if the hostilities does not end. "{It's not true. But it's not precisely wrong," commented Trump, when questioned about his son's allegation.

There are indications that the U.S. has floated the idea Ukraine should give up the eastern territories to achieve peace, a move that would be deeply controversial within Ukraine. Furthermore, there is currently no sign that Russia is ready to accept any agreement, even a deal that might appear beneficial to Moscow.