Putin and Saudi Arabia's MbS discuss Gulf security and need to keep key sea lanes open, Kremlin says

Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone call with Saudi Crown ⁠Prince Mohammed ⁠bin Salman on Tuesday in which they discussed the security situation in ⁠the Gulf and the need to keep vital waterways open, the Kremlin said.

It said the two leaders held a detailed exchange of views on the ⁠situation ⁠in the Middle East and emphasised that a political and diplomatic settlement remains the only viable path forward.

They also "underscored the need ⁠for a swift cessation of hostilities" in Yemen amid the deteriorating military and political situation there.

"The importance of ensuring the safe ⁠and ‌unimpeded ‌passage of vessels through ⁠the region's ‌international waterways, including the Bab el-Mandeb and ⁠Strait of ⁠Hormuz, was emphasised," the Kremlin ⁠said.