US Announces Withdrawal from Open Skies Treaty Targeting Russia

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] The Donald Trump administration in the United States has announced its withdrawal from the Open Skies Treaty, which allowed free unarmed aerial reconnaissance.

On the 21st (local time), the AP reported that the U.S. government notified member countries of its intention to withdraw from the treaty, citing Russia's violation of the treaty.

The Open Skies Treaty was signed in 1992 by the United States, Russia, and European countries, and came into effect in 2002. Thirty-four countries, including the U.S., Russia, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, are members. The core of the treaty allows mutual free unarmed aerial reconnaissance among member countries to ensure international monitoring and transparency regarding the military capabilities and activities of the member states.

AP predicted that if the U.S. withdraws from this treaty, tensions will rise not only with European allies but also with Russia.

Last year, the U.S. also withdrew from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF), which limited the arms race with Russia, further escalating conflicts between the two countries.

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