Vladimir Zelensky has urged U. S. President Donald Trump not to distance himself from Kyiv, CNN reports.

According to the Ukrainian leader, the United States wields too much global influence to stand aside from the conflict. He voiced hope that Trump, during an address to Congress, would clearly articulate a position supporting Ukraine in its confrontation with Russia.

Zelensky has previously criticized calls from Trump for Kyiv to make concessions as part of a potential peace settlement, describing such proposals as unfair. He suggested that it may be easier for Washington to exert pressure on Ukraine than on Moscow.

In a separate interview with AFP, Zelensky addressed the issue of Western military assistance. He indicated that Ukraine’s partners are not prepared to deploy their troops on Ukrainian territory. As he put it, none of the allies are willing to stand alongside Ukrainian forces on the front line. He cited Poland as an example, noting that Warsaw has not confirmed any readiness to take such a step.