Deleting WhatsApp data from iCloud but NOT iPhone?

How can I delete my phone's WhatsApp backup data from iCloud without deleting it from my iPhone as well? If I go to the phone's Settings > Apple ID > iCloud > Manage Storage > WhatsApp Messenger > Delete Data, it says "this will delete all data for this app stored on this iPhone and in iCloud."

I could swear WhatsApp used to back up directly onto my phone and/or to WA servers.

I just spent 30 min on chat with an Apple Support rep remotely accessing my phone, and he confirmed WA was responsible for the "Docs" showing in iCloud storage but couldn't confirm whether this message above was correct or not.

There's a thread from 2018 stating it deleted the data from iCloud, only, but I want to confirm that still holds true today before moving forward. This is my only communication with my entire family, and I cannot lose it.

Thanks in advance.