Russia says Houthi attacks on Saudi infrastructure 'counterproductive'

Russia considers Houthi attacks on Saudi infrastructure "counterproductive," Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Larov said on Tuesday, backing Riyadh’s efforts to implement an agreed road map.

Speaking at a joint news conference after talks with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in Moscow, Lavrov such issues should not be resolved militarily, warning that attacks threaten civilians and infrastructure and could disrupt global trade routes and the world economy given the strategic importance of the Arabian Peninsula.

Prince Faisal said the kingdom continues to offer diplomatic solutions aimed at preventing further suffering for Yemen and its people.

He accused the Houthi group of seeking to advance its own interests without regard for Yemen’s interests, saying its recent escalation against Saudi Arabia was part of that approach.

The Houthis on Tuesday 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, the Yemeni government forces reported advances against the group on several fronts, including in Al-Jawf, Al-Bayda, Taiz and Al-Hudaydah.

Lavrov also said that the two sides discussed the regional agenda, with particular attention to the situation in the Gulf.

He said implementation of the Islamabad memorandum between the US and Iran has been delayed, stressing the need to find reasonable compromises to resolve outstanding differences and ensure the agreement is implemented.

“We, Russia, regret that the countries of the Arabian Peninsula were drawn into the military confrontation between the United States, Israel and Iran against their will,” Lavrov said.

He stressed that Moscow and Riyadh believe the emerging differences must be resolved exclusively through political and diplomatic means, in strict compliance with international law and taking into account agreements already reached.

Lavrov said Russia and Saudi Arabia also agreed that the Palestinian issue cannot be resolved by force and requires a comprehensive settlement based on international law.

He noted that there has been no progress on US President Donald Trump’s plan to resolve the situation in Gaza. He said a ceasefire and humanitarian assistance agreement reached by Israel and Hamas last October has not been implemented.

Moscow and Riyadh also confirmed plans to maintain close coordination within OPEC+ to balance global energy supply and demand, Lavrov said.

He added that trade turnover rose nearly 40% last year, with both sides seeking to sustain the growth. He highlighted the role of their joint intergovernmental commission in strengthening economic cooperation.

On Ukraine, Lavrov said Russia remains ready for negotiations based on addressing the root causes of the conflict. He accused the European Union of seeking to prevent a long-term settlement by maintaining its efforts to support Ukraine and pursue Russia’s defeat.

Lavrov also 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.