Russia Welcomes Saudi–UAE Mission to Aden, Calls for Restraint in South Yemen

Overview

• The Russian Foreign Ministry said the escalation in Hadramawt and Mahra stems from clashes among pro‑government units, including forces linked to the Southern Transitional Council.
• Moscow endorsed Saudi Arabia’s December 25 announcement of joint steps with the UAE, including deploying a joint military group to Aden to support stabilization efforts.
• Russia called on UN special envoy Hans Grundberg to step up mediation to achieve lasting normalization and launch an inclusive intra‑Yemeni political dialogue.
• Maria Zakharova said Russia stands ready to work with Yemen’s authorities, influential political forces, and regional partners—particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE—to facilitate de‑escalation.
• U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio separately urged restraint and sustained diplomacy and thanked Saudi Arabia and the UAE for their engagement, according to a State Department statement.