In response to ongoing Houthi attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea, Russia has proposed an alternative international trade route. According to a statement by Nikolai Korchunov, special representative of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Northern Sea Route could become an equivalent alternative for ships wishing to change their course due to attacks by the Ansar Allah group in the Red Sea.

Korchunov pointed out that the use of the Northern Sea Route is possible subject to compliance with the provisions of Arctic legislation and relevant documents regulating Russian management of the route.

In turn, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed the opinion that the Northern Sea Route today is more efficient than the Suez Canal. Putin, speaking at a meeting with the winners of the All-Russian Championship "Professionals", emphasized the significant increase in the economic efficiency of cargo transportation along this route.

The announcements come amid rising tensions in the Red Sea, where the Houthis continue to attack commercial ships, including those they believe are linked to Israel.