ISW explains why Putin is so willing to arm the Houthis

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported the information.

The Kremlin planned to supply missiles and other military equipment to the Houthis in Yemen but refrained from doing so after facing diplomatic pressure.

Experts emphasize that Russia's reported plan emphasizes its military partnership with Iran and indicates that Russia is likely seeking to use Iranian proxies for indirect confrontation with the West.

According to the Institute's analysts, Russia's plans to support the Houthis to indirectly confront the West and threaten further escalation are consistent with several Russian information and hybrid operations aimed at encouraging the West to withdraw from supporting Ukraine for fear of confrontation with Russia.

"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," ISW adds.

Analysts suggest that Russia's deepening partnership with Iran is likely to prompt Russia to consider supporting other Iranian-backed groups and using these groups in indirect attempts to threaten the West with escalation.

• U.S. intelligence suggests that Russia may have sent military personnel to Yemen to advise the Houthis on how to fire on ships in the Red Sea.