Zelensky called not to surrender and to defend Kiev, noting that he was staying in the Ukrainian capital and that the army would not leave the battlefield.
Earlier, the Washington Post reported that the United States was ready to help the Ukrainian president leave Kiev, to avoid being captured or killed by Russian forces.
The newspaper quoted US and Ukrainian officials as saying that Zelensky refused to leave the country, and pledged to remain in charge of his government despite the grave personal risks.
“Required target number 1 and his family are number 2,” Zelensky said in an earlier speech, noting that they want to destroy Ukraine politically by destroying the country’s president.
The report indicated that Zelensky had heard warnings from US officials about the dangers he might face.
A senior US official, who was not identified by the newspaper, said US officials have spoken with Zelensky in recent days about a variety of security issues, including the safest places for the president to stay to ensure the continuity of the Ukrainian government.
And the Ukrainian president warned, on Friday night, that Russian forces would try tonight to seize Kiev, where fierce battles are taking place.
“I must say it quite frankly: Tonight will be more difficult than it was today. Many cities of our country are under attack,” Zelensky said in a video message published on the presidential website.