The United States is prepared to evacuate Zelensky, who remains in Kiev

The US government is prepared to help Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky escape from Kiev to avoid being captured or killed by Russian forces, but the politician has so far refused to leave the capital, several sources told the newspaper on Friday. The Washington Post.

According to one of those sources, US representatives have spoken with Zelensky in recent days about security issues, including the safest places in which he could take refuge to ensure the continuity of the Government of Ukraine.

Until now, however, the Ukrainian leader would have rejected the evacuation, despite being aware of the danger.

“According to our information, I am the enemy’s number one target. My family the second. They want to destroy Ukraine politically by destroying the head of state.”Zelenski himself affirmed in a speech to the nation.

In the last hours, the president has been seen in a video in Kiev surrounded by some of his closest collaborators and promising that he will remain to defend the country’s independence.

This Thursday, the White House spokeswoman, Jen Psaki, had already said publicly that the US is aware of Zelenski’s situation and in contact with him to support him.

“We are not going to go into security issues, but we are in contact with President Zelensky and working to offer him a range of support,” Psaki told reporters.

Russian forces continue to advance towards Kiev and in recent hours have seen heavy fighting with the Ukrainian Army on the outskirts of the capital, where repeated explosions have been heard.

RECOMMENDED VIDEO