Houthi spokesperson Mohammed Abdulsalam has revealed details of a meeting with Mikhail Bogdanov, the Russian President's Special Envoy to the Middle East and Africa, on Tuesday, July 2nd, 2024.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) seen by Barran Press, Abdulsalam stated that he discussed with Bogdanov the ongoing Israeli aggression against Gaza and the need to halt US-UK operations against the Houthis.

He also mentioned the group's activities in the Red Sea, claiming they "do not pose a threat to anyone," while emphasizing the "importance of Russia's understanding of their position in support of Palestine," in reference to their ongoing attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea.

The meeting, according to the Houthi spokesperson, also reviewed the "state of de-escalation" between the Houthis and the Yemeni government and Arab coalition, stressing the "need to reach a comprehensive solution that guarantees the unity and sovereignty of Yemen."

In December 2023, the UN announced that the Yemeni parties had reached understanding to commit to a set of measures, including a ceasefire across Yemen, measures to improve living conditions in Yemen, and engagement in preparations for the resumption of an inclusive political process under UN auspices.

However, this roadmap and peace efforts in Yemen were stalled by the attacks of the Houthi group, classified as a terrorist organization, against commercial shipping vessels in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and Gulf of Aden since November 2023.

On June 13th, 2024, the United States, through its alternate representative to the Security Council, Ambassador Robert Wood, stated during a UN Security Council session on Yemen that they believe the UN's comprehensive roadmap for resolving the Yemen crisis remains "the best way forward, and the path we hope will lead to a lasting end to the conflict in Yemen."

On June 23rd, 2024, Russia, China, and Algeria abstained from voting on Security Council Resolution 2739, which renewed calls for the Houthi group to immediately cease all attacks against shipping vessels in the Red Sea. The resolution was proposed by the United States and Japan.

Researcher Abdulsalam Mohammed criticized this resolution, arguing that it does not condemn the Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea. He criticized what he called the "cold language" used in the resolution to urge the Houthis to stop their actions, and the abstention of certain countries from voting on the militia's actions.

He expressed regret that "Moscow and Beijing forgot their relationship with the Yemeni government and Gulf states in taking a step to support the militia by abstaining from voting on a weak resolution that calls for restraint but does not allow for military action or even criminalize the Houthis' attacks."

Since November 2023, the Houthi group has been launching missile and drone attacks against commercial shipping vessels in the Red Sea, leading to increased maritime insurance costs and prompting many shipping companies to opt for the much longer route around the southern tip of Africa.

In December 2023, the United States, Israel's main ally, formed a multinational coalition to protect maritime navigation from attacks by the terrorist-listed group. Meanwhile, US forces have been carrying out strikes against Houthi military targets from time to time.

The meeting between the Houthi spokesperson and the Russian envoy highlights the ongoing efforts to find a solution to the Yemen conflict. However, the continued attacks by the Houthis and the lack of consensus on a comprehensive solution raise concerns about the prospects for peace in the country.