Several Russian warships have passed the Bab al-Mandab Strait into the Red Sea, the Russian navy's Pacific Fleet said on Thursday, amid attacks by Yemen's Houthis on merchant shipping.
The Zvezda TV channel, owned by the defense ministry, quoted the fleet as saying the Russian cruiser Varyag and the frigate Marshal Shaposhnikov were taking part in the voyage.
The Houthis are unlikely to attack Russian ships, given the Kremlin's good relations with key players in the region, including Iran, the Houthis, Hamas, Hezbollah, and Syria.
The Kremlin's diplomacy has fostered connections across what some describe as the axis of resistance in the region, maintaining open channels and mutual interests with these groups and governments.
This strategic relationship serves to protect Russian interests and ensures a level of security for Russian endeavors in these areas.