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Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy has declared he is willing to hold a presidential election amid the current war, if Ukraine's parliament and international allies allow it. This announcement follows accusations from Donald Trump that he was refusing to relinquish control.

Obviously irritated by the intervention from overseas, Zelenskyy stressed that "The decision for the citizens of Ukraine, rather than for individuals from partner countries, with all necessary respect to our partners."

However, he vowed to examine avenues for carrying out a election in the near future. "Because this question is brought up by the leader of the U.S., our ally, I will respond briefly: understand, I am prepared for elections," Zelenskyy stated on Tuesday night.

"In addition, I am asking ... the U.S. to assist me, possibly in conjunction with European colleagues, to guarantee protection for the elections, and subsequently within the following 60-90 day period Ukraine will be prepared to hold the elections. I personally have the will and preparedness for this," he concluded.

The U.S. President's Assertions and Ukrainian Constitutional Situation

This criticism were voiced by Trump in a wide-ranging interview conducted by Politico earlier on Tuesday. "They haven't had an election in a while," stated the U.S. president. "You know, they speak of a democratic nation, but it gets to a stage where it's not a democracy any more."

Zelenskyy's five-year term came to an end in May of last year, but the nation's constitution prohibits elections during martial law. Furthermore, his rivals have consistently argued that safety and practical factors prevent organizing an election during hostilities.

"Doing so would only create damage," commented a lawmaker from the Holos party. "He's the supreme military commander, and the country is in a state where we don't have that luxury, regardless of issues we might have with him. It would only benefit the enemy," he continued.

Practical and Constitutional Challenges

Zelenskyy identified two key problems that need solving: the logistical issue of enabling soldiers, millions of displaced people, and those in occupied territories to participate, and secondly, how to lawfully hold elections given that a state of war is in effect.

He sought counsel from allies on securing the elections, and from members of parliament on how to modify the constitution to enable a vote. "{I am awaiting suggestions from allies, I am expecting proposals from our MPs, and I am ready to go to the elections," said Zelenskyy.

Wider Diplomatic Context

Zelenskyy was speaking while returning to Ukraine after completing a diplomatic tour to multiple EU nations. This coincides with the White House has reportedly been applying pressure on Kyiv to accept a peace deal.

Earlier, Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr., claimed at a conference that Zelenskyy was dragging out the war due to fears of being ousted. He also indicated that his father might "disengage" from Ukraine if the war persists. "{It's not correct. But it's not exactly wrong," responded Trump, when asked about his son's claim.

It has been suggested that the U.S. has suggested Ukraine should relinquish the Donbas region to secure peace, a move that would be highly rejected within Ukraine. Furthermore, there is as of now little indication that Russia is ready to agree to any agreement, even one that might seem favorable to Moscow.