KIEV: The US Embassy in Kiev asked American citizens in Ukraine to leave the war-torn country on Monday, as Russia maintained its offensive for the 19th day.

"We recommend US individuals to evacuate Ukraine now by land transport if safe," the Embassy said on Twitter. Border crossings are now available. Consider the routes and the risks; highways may be congested, combat-prone, or have damaged infrastructure. For some, staying put may be the best decision." The Embassy previously encouraged Americans to "depart Ukraine immediately" in a similar letter sent on March 9 because the security situation in the nation "continues to be violent and unpredictable due to continued military operations by Russia, with active fighting in country and uncertain safety circumstances."

The declaration came shortly after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dymtro Kuleba on Monday.

They discussed Washington's "steadfast support of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as ongoing efforts to stop (Russian President Vladimir) Putin's war of choice," according to Blinken. Kuleba, for one, stated that they both agreed that "more must be done to deter Russian aggression and make Russia accountable for its crimes."

NATO should impose a no-fly zone over Ukraine: Zelenskyy

Biden speaks to Macron to discusses Ukraine war, online negotiations today

Russian forces wipe out eastern Ukrainian town of Volnovakha