Libya FM decries Russia's Ukraine invasion as 'violation of international law'

Libya's foreign minister on Thursday slammed Russia's unprovoked invasion of its neighbour Ukraine as a breach of international law.

Najla Al-Mangoush, minister for the UN-backed Government of National Unity led by Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Al-Dbeibah, urged Russia "to calm and retreat" in an Arabic-language Twitter message, Anadolu Agency reported.

"We strongly condemn the military attack in Ukraine by Russia, which is a violation of international law," al-Magnoush said.

Russia invaded its western neighbour on Thursday morning, following weeks of posturing. 

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reported Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as saying on Friday morning that 137 people have been killed.

Moscow's troops are currently on the outskirts of Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital city.

Russia has also been a key player in the Libya conflict, supporting warlord Khalifa Haftar in the nation's east against opponents in its west.

The Libyan National Army militia forces, headed by Haftar, greeted the eastern House of Representatives' selection earlier this month of Fathi Bashaga as interim prime minister.

The legislature selected Bashaga as premier after a presidential election meant to take place in December failed to materialise.

Dbeibah has insisted he will not step down unless a new government is chosen in national elections.