NATO Blames Russia for Violating Open Skies Treaty

NATO holds Russia responsible for the collapse of the "Open Skies Treaty." This was reported by Pierce Kazalet, deputy spokesperson for the North Atlantic Alliance, to RIA Novosti.

“We have acknowledged Russia’s announcement of its withdrawal from the Open Skies Treaty. Russia’s selective fulfillment of its obligations under the treaty concerning the Don has impeded the implementation of this important agreement in ensuring security and stability in the Euro-Atlantic region for some time,” Kazalet stated.

Earlier, it was reported that Russia is starting internal procedures to withdraw from the Open Skies Treaty. This was mentioned in a statement released by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs today, January 15.

“Due to the lack of progress in resolving obstacles to the continuation of the treaty under new conditions, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has the authority to announce the start of internal procedures for the Russian Federation’s withdrawal from the treaty,” emphasized the diplomatic agency.

It should be noted that since November 22, the United States officially withdrew from the Open Skies Treaty, which allowed participating countries to conduct reconnaissance flights over each other's airspace with mutual consent and a set schedule. The document is considered one of the key instruments for bolstering trust and security on both sides of the Atlantic.

The Open Skies Treaty was signed in 1992. Without the United States, it includes 33 countries, including Russia.