MOSCOW, December 19. /TASS/. Russia is not taking part in the operation to protect the Red Sea shipping routes from Yemeni Houthis initiated by Western countries, Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov has told the media.

"We are not taking part in this operation. That’s all I can say," he explained.

As it was previously reported, the operation will involve several countries, including the United States, Britain, Bahrain, Canada, France and Spain. According to Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin, the purpose of the operation is to provide protection from attacks by Yemeni Houthis against merchant ships.