Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has urged the United States to abandon the use of force in Yemen and instead pursue political dialogue, Moscow said on Sunday.
Lavrov made the remarks during a phone call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Saturday, in which the American diplomat informed him of Washington’s decision to carry out strikes against Yemen’s Houthi rebels.
The conversation comes as the US and Russia rekindle diplomatic discussions following Donald Trump’s return to office.
According to Russia’s foreign ministry, Lavrov rejected the justification for military action and called for an immediate end to hostilities.
“In response to argumentation put forward by American representatives, Sergei Lavrov stressed the need for an immediate cessation of the use of force and the importance for all sides to engage in political dialogue to find a solution that would prevent further bloodshed,” the ministry stated.
Moscow, a close ally of Iran, which backs the Houthis, has previously condemned US and UK-led strikes on Yemen.
Russia has also maintained direct communications with the Houthi leadership as part of its diplomatic efforts in the region.
