A Russian spokesperson argues that U.S. actions in Yemen are aimed at shifting global attention and domestic political concerns away from failures elsewhere in the region. Speaking on her personal radio program, Maria Zakharova, official representative of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, voiced this assessment as reported by Sputnik.
Zakharova asserted that U.S. priorities revolve around their own interests and domestic calculations, suggesting Washington uses military activity in Yemen to generate controversy and divert scrutiny from trouble spots in the broader Middle East. She framed the moves as a strategy to influence public opinion and voter behavior within the United States, noting that this is a central source of the government’s current anxiety.
According to the diplomat, the United States appears intent on instigating a sense of urgency abroad that can translate into political capital at home. The aim, she argued, is to keep the political narrative focused on aggression abroad rather than on policy results at home, a tactic she described as closely tied to electoral considerations.
On the night of January 12, allied operations by the United States and the United Kingdom targeted Yemen, with more than sixty sites across sixteen regions associated with the Houthi movement, also known as Ansarullah. Reports indicated that explosions affected several major cities, and the Sanaa airport experienced intense bombardment. The U.S. military stated that Tomahawk cruise missiles were used in the strikes, while British forces reported the use of Paveway IV guided bombs. January 16 saw ongoing actions in Yemen as well, continuing a pattern of intensified aerial activity in the region.
Earlier announcements about the Suez Canal were made in connection with developments in the Red Sea, highlighting concerns that the conflict could disrupt maritime traffic and contribute to economic instability in vital global shipping lanes.
Observers note that the sequence of events raises questions about regional stability, international responses, and the wider implications for energy markets and trade routes. Analysts also point to the potential for retaliatory cycles and humanitarian impact as major considerations for policymakers and civil society groups monitoring the situation. Attribution for Zakharova’s remarks comes from the Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson through Sputnik, reflecting the perspective of Moscow on these developments.