🔗 Share this article

Ukrainian leader Zelenskyy has stated he is willing to organize a presidential election during the ongoing war, if Ukraine's parliament and foreign partners give their consent. This announcement is a response to allegations from the U.S. President that he was clinging to power.

Obviously annoyed by the comments from overseas, Zelenskyy underscored that "The decision for the people of Ukraine, and not for individuals from foreign states, with all due respect to our friends."

However, he pledged to explore options for carrying out a election in the near future. "Since this issue is currently being posed by the leader of the U.S., our ally, I will answer succinctly: listen, I am ready for elections," Zelenskyy stated on Tuesday night.

"In addition, I am asking ... the U.S. to assist me, perhaps in conjunction with EU partners, to ensure protection for the polls, and then within the next 60 to 90 days Ukraine will be able to organize the elections. I individually have the determination and readiness for this," he added.

The U.S. President's Criticism and The Country's Legal Reality

The comments were made by Trump in a rambling interview conducted by the publication Politico earlier on Tuesday. "Ukraine have not held an election in a while," said the American leader. "Consider this, they talk about a democratic nation, but it becomes a situation where it's undemocratic any more."

Zelenskyy's mandate officially ended in May of last year, but the nation's constitution prohibits elections in a time of armed conflict. Even, his political opponents have often said that security and practical factors do not permit organizing an election during hostilities.

"Holding a vote would only cause harm," said a lawmaker from the Holos party. "Zelenskyy is the supreme military commander, and the country is in a state where we don't have that luxury, whatever problems we might have with him. It would only benefit the adversary," he continued.

Practical and Legal Hurdles

Zelenskyy pointed out two primary questions that need solving: the logistical issue of allowing military personnel, millions of internally displaced persons, and those in occupied territories to cast ballots, and additionally, how to lawfully conduct a vote when a state of war is active.

He asked for guidance from partner nations on safeguarding the elections, and from lawmakers on how to amend the constitution to permit a election. "{I am waiting for proposals from allies, I am expecting proposals from our MPs, and I am willing to go to the elections," said Zelenskyy.

Broader Diplomatic Background

Zelenskyy made these remarks while traveling back to Ukraine after wrapping up a diplomatic tour to multiple European capitals. This coincides with the U.S. administration has reportedly been pushing on Kyiv to sign a ceasefire agreement.

Over the weekend, 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 suggested that his father might "withdraw support" from Ukraine if the war does not end. "{It's not true. But it's not entirely wrong," said Trump, when asked 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 concession that would be deeply controversial within Ukraine. Furthermore, there is as of now no sign that Russia is prepared to sign any agreement, including one that might seem beneficial to Moscow.