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The President of Ukraine Zelenskyy has declared he is willing to conduct a presidential election during the current war, provided that the Verkhovna Rada and foreign partners give their consent. This comment is a response to claims from Donald Trump that he was holding onto his position.

Clearly irritated by the comments from abroad, Zelenskyy emphasized that "This question for the people of Ukraine, not for individuals from partner countries, with all appropriate respect to our allies."

Nevertheless, he pledged to examine avenues for holding a election in the near future. "Because this topic is brought up by the leader of the U.S., our key partner, I will reply directly: listen, I am prepared for elections," Zelenskyy said on Tuesday night.

"In addition, I am calling on ... the United States to assist me, possibly together with European partners, to ensure security for the vote, and then within the next 60 to 90 days Ukraine will be ready to organize the elections. I personally have the will and preparedness for this," he concluded.

The U.S. President's Criticism and The Country's Legal Situation

These remarks were voiced by Trump in a rambling interview released by the publication Politico earlier on Tuesday. "They have not held an election in a while," stated the U.S. president. "Consider this, they talk about a democracy, but it gets to a stage where it's no longer democratic any more."

Zelenskyy's presidential term came to an end in May of last year, but the country's fundamental law prohibits elections in a time of martial law. Even, his critics have consistently argued that safety and practical considerations make it impossible organizing an election during hostilities.

"Holding a vote would only create damage," commented a lawmaker from the Holos party. "He's 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 enemy," he added.

Logistical and Constitutional Obstacles

Zelenskyy identified two primary issues that require solutions: the logistical challenge of allowing soldiers, millions of internally displaced persons, and those living under occupation to cast ballots, and additionally, how to constitutionally hold elections given that martial law is ongoing.

He asked for guidance from partner nations on securing the elections, and from members of parliament on how to amend the legislation to permit a election. "{I am waiting for proposals from allies, I am expecting proposals from our MPs, and I am prepared to proceed with the elections," affirmed Zelenskyy.

Broader Diplomatic Background

Zelenskyy made these remarks while traveling back to Ukraine after wrapping up a diplomatic tour to several EU nations. This occurs while the White House has reportedly pushing on Kyiv to accept a ceasefire agreement.

Earlier, Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr., asserted at a conference that Zelenskyy was dragging out the war due to worries of electoral defeat. He also indicated that his father might "walk away" from Ukraine if the war does not end. "{It's not true. But it's not precisely wrong," commented Trump, when asked about his son's statement.

There are indications that the U.S. has floated the idea Ukraine should relinquish the Donbas region to achieve peace, a concession that would be deeply unpopular within Ukraine. Furthermore, there is currently no evidence that Russia is willing to sign any agreement, including one that might seem advantageous to Moscow.