Zelensky Says ‘I Am Ready for Elections’ as He Calls on US, Europe to Help Ensure Security for Wartime Vote

President Volodymyr Zelensky said he is ready for national elections and has asked the United States and European partners to help Ukraine ensure the security conditions needed to hold a vote during wartime.

Zelensky made the comments during an online briefing with journalists on Tuesday, addressing recent statements by US President Donald Trump, who said it was “time for Ukraine to hold presidential elections.”

Zelensky said he had not discussed the matter with US officials and stressed that the decision belongs solely to Ukrainians.

In Ukraine, elections cannot be held while martial law is in effect, as explicitly stipulated by the Constitution. However, not withstanding legal restrictions, political statements and external signals are once again raising the topic.

Zelensky rejected suggestions that Ukraine’s leadership was “clinging to power.”

“I have heard suggestions that we are clinging to power, or that I personally am clinging to the presidency... To be honest, this is a completely unfounded story.”

Zelensky said elections are possible only if two conditions are met: security for voters and soldiers under ongoing missile attacks, and a legal framework that guarantees the legitimacy of the vote under martial law.

Responding to talk of foreign pressure, Zelensky said the question of elections “depends first and foremost on our people,” adding that he is personally ready to run. He then publicly appealed to the United States and Europe to help Ukraine create the conditions required to organize a nationwide vote.

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“I am now asking, openly declaring, for the United States to help me, possibly together with European colleagues, to ensure security for the elections,” he said.

He added that if international partners help with security, Ukraine could be ready to proceed within “the next 60 to 90 days.”

Zelensky also called on parliamentary leaders to prepare legislative proposals enabling elections during wartime. He said he expects suggestions from partners and lawmakers after returning to Ukraine on Wednesday.

“I am ready for elections,” Zelensky said, adding that he has “the will and readiness” to move forward if the necessary conditions are created.