(VOVWORLD) - US President Donald Trump on Thursday announced that the US will exit the Open Skies Treaty because of repeated Russian violations.
 An American OC-135B takes off from Kubinka air base in Russia (Photo: Getty/VNA) |
US officials said the US will formally withdraw from the accord in six months. The Treaty was signed in 1992 and came into effect in 2002. It allows its 34 participating countries to conduct aerial surveillance of each other’s troop deployments and military facilities.
Russia on Thursday condemned the US’s plan, saying it could affect Europe’s security and benefits. NATO will hold an emergency North Atlantic Council meeting on Friday to address Washington’s unilateral decision.