Moscow-Sana
Russia confirmed that the US withdrawal from the "open skies" treaty was an unfortunate step as it is the main document to ensure mutual trust in Europe.
Sputnik news agency quoted the director of the Non-Proliferation and Arms Control Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Vladimir Yermakov, as saying that Washington had not yet formally notified Moscow of withdrawing from the treaty, but if that happened, it would be an unfortunate step, “adding ..” This matter is unfortunately in line with the general line of the current and existing US administration. To undermine all arms control agreements. ”
"This is a fundamental treaty in terms of ensuring predictability and mutual trust in Europe and on a larger scale and should not be undermined," Yermakov said.
And US officials announced earlier today that the United States intends to withdraw from the agreement, which includes 35 countries that allow air reconnaissance operations with unarmed aircraft in the airspace of the participating countries within six months, according to the terms of exit from the agreement.
It is noteworthy that the "Open Skies" treaty was signed in 1992 and became one of the confidence-building measures in Europe after the Cold War. It has been operating since 2002 and allows participating countries to collect information publicly about the armed forces and each other's activities.