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Ukrainian leader Zelenskyy has announced he is willing to hold a national election amid the ongoing war, provided that the Verkhovna Rada and international allies allow it. This announcement is a response to accusations from Donald Trump that he was refusing to relinquish control.

Clearly annoyed by the remarks from overseas, Zelenskyy emphasized that "This is a matter for the citizens of Ukraine, not for individuals from foreign states, with all necessary respect to our partners."

However, he promised to explore avenues for scheduling a election in the next few months. "Since this question is currently being posed by the President of the United States, our key partner, I will reply succinctly: understand, I am willing for elections," Zelenskyy remarked on Tuesday evening.

"Moreover, I am calling on ... the U.S. to support me, potentially in conjunction with European colleagues, to guarantee protection for the polls, and afterwards within the following 60-90 day period Ukraine will be able to hold the elections. I individually have the will and willingness for this," he added.

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

This criticism were made by Trump in a rambling interview conducted by Politico earlier on Tuesday. "They 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 presidential term came to an end in May of last year, but the Ukrainian constitution prohibits elections in a time of armed conflict. Even, his rivals have often said that security and political considerations do not permit holding an election during hostilities.

"Holding a vote would only create damage," stated a lawmaker from the Holos party. "Zelenskyy is the supreme military commander, and the country is in a situation where we don't have that option, regardless of problems we might have with him. It would only aid the adversary," he added.

Logistical and Legal Challenges

Zelenskyy identified two key issues that require solutions: the logistical challenge of enabling military personnel, millions of internally displaced persons, and those in occupied territories to participate, and additionally, how to constitutionally conduct a vote while martial law is in effect.

He sought counsel from allies on securing the elections, and from MPs on how to modify the constitution to allow a election. "{I am awaiting ideas from allies, I am expecting proposals from our parliamentarians, and I am willing to proceed with the elections," said Zelenskyy.

Broader Diplomatic Context

Zelenskyy was speaking while returning to Ukraine after completing a series of visits to several EU nations. This coincides with the U.S. administration has reportedly applying pressure on Kyiv to sign a settlement.

Recently, Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr., asserted at a conference that Zelenskyy was prolonging the war due to fears of losing power. He also hinted that his father might "walk away" from Ukraine if the conflict continues. "{It's not correct. But it's not entirely wrong," said Trump, when questioned about his son's allegation.

Reports indicate that the U.S. has floated the idea Ukraine should cede the eastern territories to secure peace, a move that would be highly rejected within Ukraine. Additionally, there is presently no sign that Russia is willing to accept any agreement, even a deal that might appear advantageous to Moscow.