Russia withdraws from Open Skies Treaty following US exit

A Typhoon jet from RAF Lossiemouth intercepting a Russian “Bear” bomber (SAC Samantha Holden/RAF/PA)

Russia said it will withdraw from an international treaty allowing observation flights over military facilities following the US exit from the pact.

Russia’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the US withdrawal from the Open Skies Treaty last year “significantly upended the balance of interests of signatory states”, adding that Moscow’s proposals to keep the treaty alive after the US exit have been cold-shouldered by Washington’s allies.