Russia on Wednesday sharply criticized the latest round of air strikes by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization on the Libyan capital Tripoli, calling the attacks "useless" and a "violation of UN resolutions."
A statement from Russia's Foreign Ministry said the early Wednesday morning strikes "will lead to even more suffering of the Libyan population."
All sides should lay down their arms immediately, the statement said, DPA reported.
Russia in March enabled international intervention into the Libyan civil war by abstaining from a UN resolution authorizing member nations to use force to protect Libya's civilian population.
NATO nations since then have launched more than 8,000 sorties in a widening air campaign against armed forces and ground installations controlled by Libyan leader Moamar Gaddafi.
Russia has accused NATO nations of abusing the spirit of the UN resolution in an attempt to force Gaddafi from power.