Russia Denies Allegations of Arming Houthis Amid US Accusations
In a recent development, the Kremlin has firmly refuted allegations regarding its involvement in supplying weapons to the Houthi movement in Yemen. This comes in light of a report from The Wall Street Journal, which suggested that Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout was attempting to negotiate arms sales to the Houthis. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov labeled these claims as 'fake news,' emphasizing that Russia is not engaged in arming the militant group.
The accusations from the United States have escalated tensions, with US Special Envoy to Yemen, Timothy Lenderking, asserting that Russia is exploring ways to cooperate with the Houthis, potentially including arms transfers. He warned that any such transfers could significantly alter the ongoing conflict in Yemen, which has persisted for over a decade, and could lead to further regional instability.
Reports indicate that US intelligence agencies are particularly concerned about the possibility of Russia supplying advanced anti-ship missiles to the Houthis, especially in response to the Biden administration's support for Ukraine. The White House has reportedly initiated a covert campaign to deter Moscow from delivering these weapons, amid fears that the Houthis might use them to target shipping in the Red Sea, which could escalate the conflict further.
The situation is further complicated by statements from Russian media figures, such as Vladimir Solovyov, who have publicly suggested that Moscow should arm the Houthis to target American and British vessels. This rhetoric underscores the deteriorating relations between Russia and the United States since the onset of the war in Ukraine, with Washington leading a coalition of nations imposing sanctions on Moscow and providing military assistance to Ukraine.
As the situation unfolds, the international community remains on high alert for any developments that could exacerbate the already volatile situation in Yemen and the broader region.
