Russia is set to reopen its embassy in Aden, Yemen’s interim capital, in early 2025 after nearly a decade of closure. This news has raised hopes for the return of foreign diplomatic missions to the southern city. During a meeting in Riyadh, Charge d’Affaires of the Russian Embassy in Yemen, Evgeny Kudrov, confirmed the reopening of the embassy at the beginning of next year. The Russian government also expressed its support for Yemen’s internationally recognized government.
Officials from the Yemen Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed that Russia has taken significant steps towards reopening their embassy, with India and some Gulf Cooperation Council states possibly following suit. Aden has seen relative calm in recent years under the Presidential Leadership Council, leading to a safer environment for foreign missions.
Amid these developments, concerns have been raised about alleged arms deals with the Houthi militia. The US Department of the Treasury recently sanctioned Yemeni MP Hamed Al-Ahmer for his support of Hamas, accusing him of managing over $500 million in assets for the group.