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The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced he is willing to hold a presidential election amid the current war, on the condition that Ukraine's parliament and foreign partners give their consent. This announcement follows accusations from Donald Trump that he was clinging to power.

Clearly annoyed by the comments from overseas, Zelenskyy underscored that "This question for the people of Ukraine, not for individuals from partner countries, with all due respect to our allies."

However, he pledged to explore avenues for scheduling a vote in the coming months. "Given that this issue is currently being posed by the President of the U.S., our key partner, I will answer briefly: listen, I am ready for elections," Zelenskyy said on Tuesday night.

"Furthermore, I am asking ... the U.S. to assist me, possibly together with European partners, to guarantee safety for the polls, and then within the following 60-90 day period Ukraine will be able to organize the elections. I myself have the determination and readiness for this," he concluded.

Trump's Comments and Ukrainian Constitutional Reality

These remarks were made by Trump in a lengthy interview published by Politico earlier on Tuesday. "Ukraine haven't had an election in a while," said the American leader. "Consider this, they talk about a democratic nation, but it reaches a point 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 during armed conflict. Even, his political opponents have stated repeatedly that security and political factors prevent organizing an election during hostilities.

"It would only cause harm," stated an opposition MP. "He's the commander-in-chief, and the country is in a state where we lack that possibility, whatever disagreements we might have with him. It would only benefit the enemy," he continued.

Logistical and Constitutional Challenges

Zelenskyy pointed out two key issues that require solutions: the logistical challenge of enabling military personnel, the many internally displaced persons, and those living under occupation to participate, and secondly, how to constitutionally hold elections while a state of war is in effect.

He asked for counsel from allies on safeguarding the elections, and from members of parliament on how to change the legislation to enable a vote. "{I am awaiting suggestions from partners, I am expecting suggestions from our MPs, and I am prepared to proceed with the elections," affirmed Zelenskyy.

Broader Political Background

Zelenskyy made these remarks while traveling back to Ukraine after wrapping up a round of talks to several EU nations. This occurs while the White House has reportedly applying pressure on Kyiv to accept a settlement.

Recently, Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr., claimed at a conference that Zelenskyy was dragging out the war due to concerns of electoral defeat. He also suggested that his father might "walk away" from Ukraine if the conflict persists. "{It's not correct. But it's not exactly wrong," said Trump, when asked about his son's claim.

There are indications that the U.S. has suggested Ukraine should give up the eastern territories to secure peace, a proposal that would be deeply unpopular within Ukraine. Furthermore, there is as of now no sign that Russia is prepared to agree to any deal, even one that might seem advantageous to Moscow.