A Tu-214 ON (Open Skies) reconnaissance aircraft © Maxim Blinov / Sputnik
Moscow Times: Trump Signs Defense Bill Suspending Funding for Open Skies Treaty
The United States has suspended funding for the Open Skies Treaty following the signing of a $717-billion national defense policy act into law by U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday.
The measure could have implications for Russia’s ability to conduct observation flights over the United States.
Under the 34-member treaty that entered into force in 2002, countries are allowed to conduct unarmed observation flights to promote openness and transparency of military forces and activities. Russian aircraft had reportedly last conducted reconnaissance flights over the U.S. in August 2017 — over the Capitol, the Pentagon, the White House and Bedminster, New Jersey, where Trump was taking a working vacation.
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WNU Editor: This is a big story that is being covered extensively in Russia. But in the West .... with the exception of Reuters .... little if any coverage.
More News On The U.S. Suspending Funding For The Open Skies Treaty
Washington Freezes Open Sky Treaty With Moscow in New Defense Bill -- Sputnik
Moscow Regrets US Suspension of Cooperation Within Open Skies Treaty -- Sputnik
US ‘shoots itself in the foot’ suspending Open Skies Treaty with Russia – retired general -- RT
Moscow regrets that U.S. is suspending Open Skies treaty: RIA -- Reuters
