Researchers at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) have indicated that Russia’s willingness to supply weapons to the Yemeni Houthis reveals President Vladimir Putin’s strategy to compel the West to retract its support for Ukraine. This move also underscores Russia’s reliance on Iran for precision weapons and components.

Source: ISW

Details: Reports suggest that the Kremlin had intended to transfer missiles and other military equipment to the Houthis in Yemen, but this plan was halted following diplomatic interventions.

Quote: “Russia’s reported plan highlights its growing military partnership with Iran and suggests that Russia likely aims to leverage Iranian proxies to indirectly confront the West and shape Western decision making.”

Details: CNN reported, citing U.S. officials and other sources familiar with the matter, that Russia had prepared to deliver missiles and other military equipment to the Houthis in late July 2024. However, the plan was abandoned after diplomatic pressure from the U.S. and Saudi Arabia.

U.S. officials have expressed uncertainty about whether Saudi opposition was decisive in the cancellation of the planned transfer.

CNN sources disclosed that at least three Russian military officers visited Yemen in late July 2024, possibly to advise the Houthis and assist them in live-fire exercises, which were later cancelled by the Houthis.

To quote the ISW’s Key Takeaways on 3 August:

• Ukrainian forces reportedly struck four Russian S-400 air defence missile launchers, an S-500 air defence system, and the Russian Black Sea Fleet’s (BSF) Rostov-on-Don Kilo-class submarine in occupied Crimea on 2 August.Ukrainian forces also conducted a series of successful drone strikes against likely military targets in Rostov, Kursk, and Belgorod oblasts on 3 August.The Kremlin reportedly planned to transfer unspecified missiles and other military equipment to the Houthis in Yemen but did not transfer the materiel following diplomatic pressure. Russia’s reported plan highlights its growing military partnership with Iran and suggests that Russia likely aims to leverage Iranian proxies to indirectly confront the West and shape Western decision making.Putin’s willingness to consider supporting the Houthis as they attack Israel and international shipping is part of deepening Russian-Iranian military cooperation and Russia’s increasing reliance on Iran for high-precision weapons and components.Russian forces recently advanced near Kreminna, Siversk, and Chasiv Yar.Russian authorities continue efforts to financially incentivize Russian military service in Ukraine.

https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2024/08/4/7468853