The US State Department's assistant secretary for near eastern affairs, David Schenker, was reported by CNN as saying that Russia is deploying troops in significant numbers to support Khalifa Haftar, saying the Russians are destabilizing Libya.

"Russian regulars are being deployed in significant numbers to support Haftar's forces," Schenker said, describing their presence as "incredibly destabilizing."

"The presence of the Russian troops raises the specter of large-scale casualties among the civilian population," Schenker added.

He added that the US is trying to find a diplomatic solution via talks with all parties in Libya.

Meanwhile, CNN said the US has become increasingly vocal about its opposition to Russia's presence in Libya, believing Moscow is seeking to establish a position there in part to challenge NATO's southern flank, hinting at possible involvement of Russians in downing the US Africa Command drone over Tripoli.

The spokesman for the Kremlin has refuted the US accusations that Russia is destabilizing Libya and has denied that they have deployed troops in the country.

He told reporters that Washington accusations are just baseless fake news and that some countries have no right to talk about destabilization in Libya after they had destroyed the country by their actions that violate all international laws.