Officials from the United States have cautioned Khalifa Haftar, the head of the Libyan National Army, along with other Libyan leaders, about any move to strengthen ties with Russia. The warning came after Haftar’s travel to Moscow for discussions with President Vladimir Putin and other top Russian officials. The message from Washington emphasized that the current crisis in Libya calls for unity among Libyan factions rather than external alignment that could complicate the path to stability.
A White House spokesperson stated that Washington is maintaining contact with the Libyan government and stands ready to provide support as needed. The aim, the official noted, is to encourage Libyan leaders to present a united front in the face of ongoing security and humanitarian challenges, rather than pursuing policies that might be perceived as divided or influenced by foreign powers.
The response from the United States follows Haftar’s visit to Moscow, where discussions reportedly included potential cooperation between the Libyan authorities and Russia in the broader effort to counter terrorism and stabilize the region. Earlier, reports indicated that such talks were part of a broader pattern of engagement between Libyan actors and various international partners, including a delegation from Russia’s defense establishment that traveled to Libya to explore possibilities for collaboration against common threats.
Haftar has previously warned that if foreign mercenaries remain in Libyan territory, conflict could intensify into a renewed war. This warning reflects the long-standing tension between Libyan authorities and foreign military presences, which many observers see as a major obstacle to achieving lasting peace. The latest exchanges underscore the delicate balance Libyan leaders face as they navigate international diplomacy, security concerns, and the need to secure domestic legitimacy while managing competing regional interests.
Analysts note that Washington’s stance aims to preserve Libyan autonomy in decision-making while ensuring that any cooperation with external powers aligns with Libyan sovereignty and regional stability. By urging unity, U.S. officials appear to be signaling that Libyan consensus on security and governance matters is essential for reducing external leverage and for building a sustainable peace process. The episode also highlights how external powers continue to influence Libyan diplomacy, often through carefully calibrated public messages and behind-the-scenes diplomacy that seeks to prevent further fragmentation in a country long beset by conflict.
In the broader context, Libyan leaders face a complex array of pressures as they weigh relationships with major international players. The path to stability depends on credible political compromise, regional cooperation, and a clear, shared strategy to address security, economic reform, and the humanitarian needs of the Libyan people. Washington’s communications appear intended to guide Libyan decisions toward a broad-based national accord rather than narrow, factional alignments that could hamper reconciliation efforts and prolong instability.
Observers caution that the risk of external involvement remains high, and the true test will be whether Libyan authorities can translate cautious diplomacy into tangible outcomes on the ground. The focus remains on practical steps that reduce violence, protect civilians, and restore essential services while ensuring that any security arrangements respect Libyan sovereignty and civilian oversight. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, ready to respond with principled and proportional support that helps Libyans determine their own future.