Russia fears that the introduction of no-fly zones over Libya may lead to large-scale military intervention, which cannot fail to impact the civilian population. This was stated by Russian envoy to the UN Vitaly Churkin. According to him, the Security Council, in essence, left unanswered “specific and legitimate questions from Russia and other countries regarding how the no-fly zone regime would be ensured, and what are the rules and limits pertaining to use of force.”
Moscow is convinced that the shortest path to security in Libya is through a cease-fire, not military invasion, said Churkin.
This stance was contained in a draft resolution tabled by Russia on March 16th. However, some Council member-states are too enthralled by “forceful means” of resolving the situation, explained the diplomat.