Moscow: Russia considers Houthi attacks on Saudi infrastructure "counterproductive," Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated, backing Riyadh's efforts to implement an agreed road map. Lavrov emphasized that such issues should not be resolved militarily, warning that the attacks threaten civilians and infrastructure and could disrupt global trade routes and the world economy, given the strategic importance of the Arabian Peninsula.
According to Anadolu Agency, Lavrov and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan held talks in Moscow, during which Prince Faisal expressed that the kingdom continues to offer diplomatic solutions aimed at preventing further suffering for Yemen and its people. He accused the Houthi group of advancing its own interests without regard for Yemen's well-being, stating that the recent escalation against Saudi Arabia was part of that approach.
The Houthis launched dozens of ballistic missiles and drones at southern Saudi Arabia, injuring at least 73 civilians and causing fires and temporary disruptions at energy facilities. Meanwhile, Yemeni government forces reported advances against the group on several fronts, including in Al-Jawf, Al-Bayda, Taiz, and Al-Hudaydah.
Lavrov mentioned that the two sides discussed the regional agenda, with particular attention to the situation in the Gulf. He stressed the need to find reasonable compromises to resolve differences and ensure the implementation of agreements, highlighting the delay in the Islamabad memorandum between the US and Iran.
Lavrov expressed regret that the countries of the Arabian Peninsula were drawn into the military confrontation between the United States, Israel, and Iran against their will. He emphasized that Moscow and Riyadh believe that emerging differences must be resolved through political and diplomatic means, in strict compliance with international law.
Furthermore, Lavrov noted that Russia and Saudi Arabia agreed that the Palestinian issue requires a comprehensive settlement based on international law. He pointed out the lack of progress on US President Donald Trump's plan to resolve the situation in Gaza and the unimplemented ceasefire and humanitarian assistance agreement reached by Israel and Hamas last October.
Moscow and Riyadh confirmed plans to maintain close coordination within OPEC+ to balance global energy supply and demand. Lavrov highlighted a near 40% increase in trade turnover last year and the joint intergovernmental commission's role in strengthening economic cooperation.
On Ukraine, Lavrov stated Russia's readiness for negotiations based on addressing the root causes of the conflict and accused the European Union of seeking to prevent a long-term settlement. He welcomed Saudi Arabia's efforts to help achieve a reliable, long-term settlement of the Ukraine conflict and thanked the kingdom for its 'responsible and balanced position' on the issue.