RUSSIA ESTABLISHES DIRECT CONTACT WITH HOUTHIS AS WASHINGTON RAISES CONCERNS
Russia has stepped up direct diplomatic contacts with Yemen’s Houthi authorities in Sanaa, raising concerns in Washington as competition among major powers over Yemen and the Red Sea intensifies.
Russian Ambassador to Yemen Yevgeny Kudrov held a video meeting with Abdulwahab Abu Ras, deputy foreign minister of the Houthi administration in Sanaa. The meeting has been described as one of the first direct contacts of its kind between Moscow and the Houthi authorities.
The Kremlin says Russia is closely monitoring developments in Yemen but has not formally recognized the Sanaa-based Houthi administration as Yemen’s legitimate government. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow is waiting to see how the situation develops.
Meanwhile, the United States has expressed concern over Russia’s growing engagement with the Houthis. The U.S. special envoy for Yemen has said Moscow is pursuing separate arrangements with the group, including discussions involving weapons and military cooperation.
Russia has also deepened political and military ties with Iran and North Korea, while the Houthis maintain close ties with Tehran.
The Houthis control large parts of Yemen, including Sanaa, and hold territory near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a strategically important maritime chokepoint connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden.
Moscow’s expanding contacts with the Houthis could give Russia a greater role in Yemen’s political and security landscape, while potentially affecting the wider security of commercial shipping through the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb.