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Ukrainian leader Zelenskyy has announced he is willing to organize a presidential election amid the ongoing war, on the condition that the Verkhovna Rada and international allies approve. This announcement is a response to allegations from the U.S. President that he was refusing to relinquish control.

Obviously annoyed by the intervention from abroad, Zelenskyy emphasized that "This question for the citizens of Ukraine, rather than for individuals from partner countries, with all necessary respect to our partners."

Nevertheless, he vowed to examine possibilities for carrying out a vote in the near future. "Since this question is brought up by the President of the United States, our key partner, I will respond briefly: look, I am willing for elections," Zelenskyy said on Tuesday night.

"In addition, I am requesting ... the U.S. to support me, potentially alongside European colleagues, to provide safety for the vote, and then within the coming two to three months Ukraine will be ready to conduct the elections. I personally have the desire and preparedness for this," he added.

Trump's Assertions and Ukrainian Legal Reality

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

Zelenskyy's five-year term officially ended in May of last year, but the Ukrainian constitution forbids elections in a time of martial law. Even, his political opponents have consistently argued that safety and political realities make it impossible organizing an election while the war continues.

"It would only create damage," said a lawmaker from the Holos party. "He's the commander-in-chief, and the country is in a position where we lack that option, whatever disagreements we might have with him. It would only benefit the adversary," he continued.

Logistical and Constitutional Challenges

Zelenskyy pointed out two key questions that need solving: the practical issue of enabling soldiers, millions of refugees, and those in occupied territories to vote, and secondly, how to legally hold elections when martial law is ongoing.

He sought advice from allies on safeguarding the elections, and from lawmakers on how to amend the law to permit a vote. "{I am waiting for suggestions from partners, I am expecting proposals from our parliamentarians, and I am prepared to go to the elections," stated Zelenskyy.

Broader Diplomatic Background

Zelenskyy made these remarks while traveling back to Ukraine after wrapping up a diplomatic tour to multiple European capitals. This comes as the White House has reportedly been applying pressure on Kyiv to agree to a ceasefire agreement.

Earlier, Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr., claimed at a forum that Zelenskyy was dragging out the war due to fears of electoral defeat. He also hinted that his father might "disengage" from Ukraine if the conflict persists. "{It's not accurate. But it's not precisely wrong," responded Trump, when asked about his son's claim.

Reports indicate that the U.S. has floated the idea Ukraine should cede the Donbas region to achieve peace, a move that would be deeply rejected within Ukraine. Furthermore, there is presently no evidence that Russia is prepared to accept any deal, even one that might seem advantageous to Moscow.