Russian special operation in Ukraine does not aim at overthrowing incumbent administration - Russian Foreign Ministry

MOSCOW. March 9 (Interfax) - The Russian special operation in Ukraine does not aim at Ukraine's occupation, destruction of its statehood or overthrowing of the incumbent administration, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said.

"The task of this [special operation] does not include either the occupation of Ukraine or the destruction of its statehood or the overthrowing of the incumbent administration. It is not directed against the civilian population either," Zakharova said at a press briefing in Moscow on Wednesday.

Zakharova said she "has to repeat that again, given the amount of disinformation and classic hoaxes designed by Western security services."

"The Ukrainian warfare methods cause profound concern; we are perfectly aware that extremists, who were de jure operating as some nationalistic paramilitary battalions in the recent past, are now operating on the side of the Ukrainian Armed Forces," she said.

Zakharova said she was sure that the Ukrainian side had used "phosphorous munitions" and "used the civilian population as a human shield."