Donald Trump’s administration will give official notice of the U.S.’s intent to exit the Open Skies treaty. The 34-nation agreement allows the U.S., Russia and other countries to fly their aircraft over each other’s territory - increasing transparency and reducing the chances for perilous miscalculations.
“Russia didn’t adhere to the treaty, so until they adhere, we will pull out. There is a very good chance to reach a new deal. We’re going to pull out, and they’re going to come back and want to make a deal”, - Trump said.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that “it has become abundantly clear that it is no longer in America"s interest to remain a party to the Treaty on Open Skies”. He accused Russia of repeatedly violating the treaty and using it to further its expansion goals by refusing to allow flights over “Russian-occupied Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia” and asserting control over an airfield in Crimea. Echoing the president, he also suggested the U.S. might remain in the agreement if Russia changes its approach.
“Effective six months from tomorrow, the United States will no longer be a party to the Treaty. We may, however, reconsider our withdrawal should Russia return to full compliance with the Treaty”, - Mike Pompeo said.