UNITED NATIONS: Russia has called for the immediate and complete lifting of the maritime and land blockade imposed on Yemen, urging an end to restrictions on the delivery of food, medicines and other essential supplies.
Speaking at the United Nations Security Council, Russian representative Yulia Zhdanova blamed the United States and Israel for contributing to the growing tensions surrounding Yemen, according to Arab media reports.
Zhdanova said restrictions affecting the movement of humanitarian supplies should be removed to prevent further suffering among Yemen’s population. She stressed that civilians should not bear the consequences of the wider regional conflict.
The Russian diplomat also argued that the prolonged deadlock in Yemen’s peace process had created conditions in which the Houthis became increasingly drawn into the regional confrontation.
Moscow urged the immediate resumption of peace negotiations, saying there was no lasting military solution to the conflict.
Zhdanova said a political settlement could only be achieved through dialogue involving Yemen’s key political forces. She called for the legitimate interests of all major stakeholders, including the Houthis, to be taken into account during negotiations.
Russia’s appeal comes as Yemen remains caught in a wider regional crisis, with concerns growing over humanitarian access and the disruption of essential supplies.
Moscow said renewed diplomacy and an inclusive political process were necessary to move Yemen towards lasting peace and reduce the risk of further escalation.
