A military resolution to the crisis in Niger may lead to a protracted standoff and destabilize the situation in the Sahara-Sahel region, the Russian Foreign Ministry has said in a statement.
The ministry also noted the efforts of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to restore constitutional order in Niger through dialog with the country's new leadership.
"Russia supports ECOWAS mediation efforts to find a way out of the crisis," the statement said.
At the same time, the ministry commented on the bloc's decision to deploy ECOWAS reserve forces for a possible intervention in Niger, saying that the coup leaders of the West African nation have signaled their readiness to "fight back against any foreign intervention."
"In addition, they announced the establishment of a transitional government that included representatives of civil society," the statement added.
On July 26, Niger's presidential guard removed incumbent President Mohamed Bazoum from power. The guard's commander, General Abdourahmane Tchiani, proclaimed himself the country's new leader.
The coup drew condemnation from ECOWAS and many countries, which halted financial aid to Niger and froze rebel assets.
After the ultimatum expired, the group announced in a communique the decision to activate its reserve force, a move that was later supported by the African Union.
Niger's neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso, both of which are ruled by transitional governments that seized power in coups, announced earlier that an intervention would be a "declaration of war" on their countries.