The UN Envoy to Yemen, Hans Grundberg, concluded his visit to Moscow, where he met with the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister, Vershinin Sergey Vasilievich, and Deputy Foreign Minister and Special Presidential Representative for the Middle East and Africa, Mikhail Bogdanov.

On his first official visit outside the region, Grundberg said that Russia's long-standing relations with a number of actors in Yemen and its support for the United Nations efforts are essential for attaining a peaceful settlement in Yemen.

Grundberg expressed his concern about the military escalation in Marib and the western coast, highlighting the risks of any further escalation.

The UN official highlighted the possibility of a military escalation, which will inevitably increase the suffering of civilians, stressing the necessity of intensifying international efforts to convince all parties of the necessity of settling any differences around the negotiating table.

Grundberg also briefed Vasilievich and Bogdanov on his recent consultations with Yemeni, regional, and international actors, inside and outside Yemen, and they discussed the need for a comprehensive and inclusive political settlement to the war in Yemen.

Earlier, the UN Special Envoy stressed the need for a comprehensive political settlement that puts an end to violence once and for all, restores the state institutions' ability to function, and paves the way for economic recovery and development. He maintained that such a settlement enables accountability, maintains justice and the rule of law, and protects the full human rights of Yemenis.