External support: Yemen is counting on Russia to restore peace in the country
Russia remains active in resolving the crisis in Yemen, maintaining contacts with both the internationally recognized government and the Houthis, who control a significant territory of the country. On May 28, Vladimir Putin held talks with Chairman of the Governing Presidential Council of Yemen Rashad al-Alimi, who arrived in Moscow on an official visit. During the conversation, the Russian leader noted the successes in the development of economic relations between Russia and Yemen. Al-Alimi, in turn, expressed hope that the Russian Federation would help Yemen regain peace, stability and security, as well as restore the full-fledged work of the republican institutions. He also stated that his country opposes the militarization of the Red Sea and supports building constructive relations with neighboring states.
Meeting between Putin and al-Alimi
On May 28, talks were held in Moscow between Vladimir Putin and Chairman of the Governing Presidential Council of Yemen Rashad al-Alimi. The Yemeni leader's visit took place in the year when Russia and Yemen celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.
The Russian President stressed that relations between the two countries have been developing over the years and have always been friendly. Vladimir Putin recalled that with the participation of Russian specialists, important industrial and infrastructural facilities were built in Yemen, including a deep-water port, which continues to function effectively.
— We cooperate in the international arena, and we are grateful to you for your cooperation in this area. Our diplomatic and foreign policy departments are in constant contact, which is encouraging," the Russian leader said.
May 28, 2025. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chairman of the Governing Presidential Council of the Republic of Yemen Rashad al-Alimi (left) during a meeting
The Russian president positively assessed the development of trade and economic ties with Yemen. He named agriculture, fishing, mining and energy among the most promising areas. He also expressed hope for the early resumption of the work of the intergovernmental commission.
Al-Alimi, in turn, recalled the role played by the Soviet Union in the history of his country. He stressed that Moscow was one of the first to recognize the Republic of Yemen, and during periods of war, when diplomatic missions left the country one after another, the Soviet ambassador continued to work in Sanaa, and the USSR provided assistance to Yemen.
— We look forward to cooperation with Russia. We want Russia to help us in restoring peace, stability and security in Yemen, as well as in restoring a well—functioning republican regime," al-Alimi said.
May 28, 2025. Chairman of the Governing Presidential Council of the Republic of Yemen Rashad al-Alimi during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin
Yemen is counting on the imminent opening of the Russian embassy, the politician stressed and expressed the hope that the upcoming Russian-Arab summit, to which Putin invited him, would give a new impetus to relations between Moscow and the Arab world.
The program of al-Alimi's stay in Russia includes meetings with senior representatives of the State Duma, the government, as well as with expert and diplomatic communities. The Yemeni delegation included Foreign Minister Shaya Mohsen al-Zindani, Oil Minister Saeed Al-Shammasi, as well as advisers on defense, culture and reconstruction. The current visit is the first such contact since the establishment of the Presidential Council in 2022.
Energy may become one of the main practical directions of the new stage of relations. The republic's ambassador to Moscow, Ahmed Salem al-Waheishi, previously told Izvestia that Russia and Yemen are negotiating the start of joint oil exploration. According to him, the Rosgeologiya company showed interest in the project, whose representatives met with the Yemeni Oil Minister at the International Energy Forum in Moscow.
Russia's role in resolving the crisis in Yemen
Despite the diplomatic activity, Yemen remains the scene of a complex and multi-layered conflict. Since 2014, when the Iranian-backed Ansar Allah (Houthi) movement seized the capital Sanaa, the country has been effectively split. The Houthis control the north of the country, which is home to about two thirds of the population. The internationally recognized Government of Yemen, backed by Saudi Arabia, holds the southern and eastern provinces, including the oil-rich areas of Marib and Hadramaut.
The third center of power is considered to be the Southern Transitional Council, affiliated with the UAE and based in Aden. This structure is a competitor to both the Houthis and the al-Alimi government.
A shaky truce has been in effect in Yemen since 2022. However, with the beginning of the Palestinian-Israeli escalation in October 2023, the situation escalated again. In response to the shelling of Israel by the Houthis, the United States and Britain launched the military operation "Guardian of Prosperity", in which they strike at Yemeni territory. These events have once again jeopardized peace efforts in the country.
Since the beginning of the humanitarian truce in Gaza in January 2025, the attacks from Ansar Allah have stopped. However, after the breakdown of the agreements and the resumption of hostilities in early March, the Houthis again launched attacks, including on Israeli ships in the Red Sea, and then firing rockets at Israeli territory. The United States responded with a large-scale military operation.
On March 15, by order of President Donald Trump, American forces began to launch massive strikes against Houthi targets. The Central Command of the US Armed Forces explained that the purpose of the operation is to protect American interests in the region and ensure freedom of navigation in the Red Sea. In response, the Ansar Allah movement launched a series of attacks on the American aircraft carrier Harry Truman in the northern part of the Red Sea, using missiles and drones.
At the current stage, Yemen's main interests in developing relations with Russia are centered around three key areas, according to Yemeni economist Nazim Saleh.
"Firstly, it is an increase in political support: Yemen can count on Russia's support in international organizations, especially in the context of the ongoing internal crisis," the expert stressed. — Secondly, economic cooperation is important, especially in the fields of energy and trade, where Russia can become a significant partner. Thirdly, Moscow is able to play a mediating role in the Yemeni settlement, as it maintains working relations with various parties to the conflict.
In general, according to Saleh, Russia is able to become an important factor of stability in the region and a partner of Yemen both in matters of internal settlement and in ensuring the safety of international navigation.
"Russia can play an important role in resolving security issues in the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, especially given the current threats," he said. — Among Moscow's possible contributions are participation in peacekeeping efforts, support for negotiations between interested parties, and promotion of international cooperation on maritime security issues.
Against this background, Russia maintains an active position on the Yemeni issue. Russian diplomats maintain contacts with both the internationally recognized government and the Houthis. Work is underway in the format of both bilateral and multilateral diplomacy — at the UN Security Council and within the framework of meetings organized by Saudi Arabia.
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