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According to sources within the government, Russia has withdrawn its diplomatic staff from Yemen's capital city Sanaa as a result of the ongoing unrest in the city.

This story was confirmed by a major Russian news agency who quoted the country's foreign minister Maria Zakharova as making the announcement on Tuesday.

In a statement back in August, the Russian embassy in Yemen had expressed concern over the "high intensity of air strikes by the Arab coalition on Yemeni cities and towns that often lead to civilian casualties".

"Moscow still believes that there is no alternative to the early cessation of violence," the statement said, urging a resolution through UN-supported peace talks.

On Monday, a senior UN official called for parties involved in the war to allow "sustained and unimpeded humanitarian access" for Yemenis.

"The lives of millions of people, including 8.4 million Yemenis who are a step away from famine, hinge on our ability to continue our operations and to provide health, safe water, shelter and nutrition support," Jamie McGoldrick, the UN's humanitarian coordinator for Yemen, said in a statement.

"The continuing blockade of ports is limiting supplies of fuel, food and medicines, dramatically increasing the number of vulnerable people who need help," he said.