Western intelligence sources indicate that the infamous Russian arms dealer has received implicit approval from the Kremlin to engage in new negotiations.
BERLIN — Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout is reportedly in discussions to broker a deal with Houthi militants in Yemen, according to Western officials. While these negotiations have been ongoing, an agreement has yet to be finalized, and no arms shipments have occurred thus far.
Known as the “Merchant of Death,” Bout was arrested in a covert operation in Thailand in 2008. Following his extradition to the United States and subsequent imprisonment, he was released in December 2022 as part of a prisoner swap involving American basketball star Brittney Griner.
President Vladimir Putin has long sought Bout’s release, and while there is no direct evidence indicating he instructed Bout to return to arms trading, Western officials suggest that such actions would not occur without Kremlin endorsement. If an arms transfer to the Houthis conflicted with Russian interests, they assert, the Kremlin would have intervened.
The Russian government has been exploring various weapons agreements with the Houthis, with Bout’s negotiations representing just a portion of these efforts. Initial reports indicate a potential arrangement to supply small arms to the militants.
Additional intelligence suggests that other Russian officials and arms dealers may also be involved in facilitating missile supplies to the Houthis. Western sources indicate that supplying advanced weaponry to the Houthis could enhance their targeting capabilities against Israel and maritime vessels in the Red Sea.
While no arms have been transferred yet, Bout continues to coordinate his negotiations. Analysts believe the Kremlin is moving cautiously, sending a strategic signal to the West. Should Western nations approve missile strikes against Russia, the Kremlin may proceed with the arms deal as part of a broader strategy to apply pressure without escalating into direct conflict.
Bout has consistently denied allegations of arms trafficking. The Kremlin, along with Bout, has dismissed the reports regarding the negotiations with the Houthis. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov labeled these accounts as disinformation aimed at discrediting Russian officials.
In a recent interview, Bout referred to the media reports as baseless but praised the Houthis for their accomplishments despite limited resources, citing their success in downing American reconnaissance drones in the past year.
Western analysts view Bout’s activities and the broader Houthi negotiations as part of a strategic realignment for potential escalation in response to increased support for Ukraine from the U.S. and its allies. They anticipate that Russia could heighten its involvement with groups like the Houthis should the restrictions on U.S.-made arms be lifted.
A recent U.S. intelligence assessment suggests a likelihood of enhanced Russian retaliation if the Biden administration authorizes Ukraine to use Western weaponry against targets deep within Russia.
Bout’s remarks from a previous interview indicate that he has been adjusting to life since his release, stating he had limited business left and few remaining contacts. After returning to Russia, Bout joined a political party aligned with the Kremlin and was recently elected to the Legislative Assembly of Ulyanovsk.
In a recent interview, he mentioned working on a screenplay that highlights his life, implying that current events could serve as creative inspiration for his upcoming project.
