Russia to leave Open Skies arms control treaty on Dec. 18, notifies partners

Russian Su-25 jet aircraft release smoke in the colours of the Russian state flag above Red Square during a flypast, which is part of a military parade on Victory Day marking the 76th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two, in central Moscow, Russia May 9, 2021. REUTERS/Shamil Zhumatov

Russia has notified its partners under the Open Skies arms control treaty that it will leave the group on December 18, the Russian foreign ministry said on Friday.

The Kremlin said this month that the US decision to withdraw from the treaty — which allows unarmed surveillance flights over member countries — had “significantly upset the balance of interests” among the pact’s members and had compelled Russia to exit.

Moscow had hoped that President Joe Biden would reverse his predecessor’s decision. But the Biden administration did not change tack, accusing Russia of violating the pact, something Moscow denied.

In January, Russia announced its own plans to leave the treaty, and the government submitted legislation to parliament last month to formalize its departure.

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