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The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated he is willing to conduct a national election amid the ongoing war, provided that Ukraine's parliament and international allies allow it. This comment comes after allegations from Donald Trump that he was holding onto his position.

Clearly frustrated by the intervention from abroad, Zelenskyy stressed that "The decision for the people of Ukraine, and not for individuals from partner countries, with all appropriate respect to our partners."

Nevertheless, he pledged to examine options for carrying out a poll in the next few months. "Since this question is now being raised by the leader of the U.S., our ally, I will reply briefly: understand, I am ready for elections," Zelenskyy stated on Tuesday evening.

"Moreover, I am asking ... the United States to assist me, perhaps in conjunction with EU colleagues, to provide security for the elections, and then within the next 60 to 90 days Ukraine will be ready to conduct the elections. I personally have the determination and willingness for this," he continued.

The U.S. President's Comments and The Country's Constitutional Reality

The comments were voiced by Trump in a lengthy interview conducted by the publication Politico earlier on Tuesday. "They have not held an election in a long time," stated the American leader. "You know, they claim to be a democracy, but it gets to a stage where it's undemocratic any more."

Zelenskyy's mandate came to an end in May of last year, but the country's fundamental law prohibits elections during wartime. Even, his political opponents have stated repeatedly that safety and political considerations prevent holding an election amid the ongoing conflict.

"Holding a vote would only create damage," said an opposition MP. "He's the commander-in-chief, and the country is in a state where we lack that luxury, whatever disagreements we might have with him. It would only aid the enemy," he added.

Practical and Legal Hurdles

Zelenskyy identified two key questions that require solutions: the logistical issue of allowing military personnel, millions of displaced people, and those in occupied territories to cast ballots, and additionally, how to constitutionally hold elections while a state of war is ongoing.

He sought guidance from allies on securing the elections, and from members of parliament on how to amend the law to permit a vote. "{I am awaiting proposals from allies, I am waiting for proposals from our MPs, and I am ready to participate in the elections," stated Zelenskyy.

Broader Diplomatic Context

Zelenskyy was speaking while returning to Ukraine after concluding a diplomatic tour to multiple European capitals. This comes as the White House has reportedly increasing pressure on Kyiv to accept a ceasefire agreement.

Recently, Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr., claimed at a conference that Zelenskyy was dragging out the war due to concerns of being ousted. He also hinted that his father might "disengage" from Ukraine if the hostilities persists. "{It's not accurate. But it's not precisely wrong," commented Trump, when questioned about his son's statement.

There are indications that the U.S. has suggested Ukraine should relinquish the Donbas region to secure peace, a concession that would be deeply rejected within Ukraine. Furthermore, there is presently little indication that Russia is prepared to accept any deal, even one that might appear beneficial to Moscow.