Russia voiced regret over the allied military operations in Libya and denounced “indiscriminate” use of force in the North African country.

“Moscow regrets this armed action launched with reference to hastily passed UN Security Council Resolution 1973,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich said in a statement posted on the ministry’s website. “We are convinced that it is necessary to stop bloodshed and launch dialogue among Libyans themselves for the internal conflict to be settled credibly.”

In another statement issued on Sunday, March 20, Moscow called for a halt to “indiscriminate” use of force in Libya. “We strongly urge the countries concerned to stop indiscriminate use of force,” the Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman said.

He added that it was “impermissible” to use the “controversial” Security Council resolution for achieving aims that “clearly go beyond its mandate of taking only steps to protect the civilian population.”

Russia, along with China, Germany, India and Brazil, abstained in the vote on Resolution 1973, which called for a no-fly zone over Libya.