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The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced he is prepared to organize a national election during the ongoing war, on the condition that Ukraine's parliament and international allies give their consent. This announcement follows allegations from Donald Trump that he was clinging to power.

Clearly irritated by the intervention from abroad, Zelenskyy underscored that "This is a matter for the people of Ukraine, rather than for individuals from foreign states, with all appropriate respect to our friends."

However, he vowed to investigate possibilities for carrying out a poll in the next few months. "Given that this topic is brought up by the leader of the U.S., our key partner, I will reply succinctly: look, I am ready for elections," Zelenskyy stated on Tuesday night.

"Moreover, I am requesting ... the U.S. to assist me, possibly alongside European colleagues, to provide safety for the elections, and then within the following 60-90 day period Ukraine will be able to organize the elections. I personally have the will and preparedness for this," he continued.

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

The comments were expressed by Trump in a lengthy interview conducted by Politico earlier on Tuesday. "Ukraine have not held an election in a long time," said the American leader. "Consider this, they talk about a democratic nation, but it gets to a stage where it's not a democracy any more."

Zelenskyy's mandate officially ended in May of last year, but the nation's constitution forbids elections in a time of wartime. Even, his critics have stated repeatedly that security and practical considerations prevent holding an election during hostilities.

"Doing so would only create damage," commented an opposition MP. "He's the supreme military commander, and the country is in a position where we lack that possibility, regardless of issues we might have with him. It would only benefit the adversary," he added.

Practical and Legal Challenges

Zelenskyy identified two primary issues that need solving: the logistical issue of enabling soldiers, the many refugees, and those living under occupation to cast ballots, and additionally, how to lawfully conduct a vote when a state of war is active.

He sought counsel from allies on safeguarding the elections, and from lawmakers on how to amend the law to permit a vote. "{I am awaiting proposals from partners, I am waiting for suggestions from our MPs, and I am willing to participate in the elections," affirmed Zelenskyy.

Wider Political Context

Zelenskyy was speaking while traveling back to Ukraine after concluding a round of talks to several European capitals. This coincides with the U.S. administration has reportedly been pushing on Kyiv to accept a peace deal.

Recently, Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr., claimed at a forum 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 entirely wrong," said Trump, when questioned about his son's allegation.

There are indications that the U.S. has floated the idea Ukraine should cede the eastern territories to secure peace, a proposal that would be highly rejected within Ukraine. Furthermore, there is as of now no evidence that Russia is willing to accept any deal, even one that might seem favorable to Moscow.