Moscow: It is not likely to conclude a new agreement after Washington withdrew from the Treaty of Open Skies

Russia does not see any opportunity to conclude a new agreement if the United States withdraws from the “Open Skies” Treaty.

The “Open Skies” agreement allows the thirty-four signatories to it, including the United States and Russia, to make several observing flights annually in the airspace of other countries participating in the agreement.

“There is no possibility of a new agreement to replace the treaty nor do we need such a possibility as well”, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said in a statement to state television on Saturday.

Ryabkov added that the existing treaty was ideally conducted and guaranteed Europe’s security.

He made clear that he does not expect the United States to abide by the treaty even if Russia meets all US demands.

The US administration announced on Thursday that the United States will withdraw from the treaty concluded between the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the former Warsaw Pact countries on mutual military air surveillance aimed at enhancing confidence.

Washington indicated Russia’s non-compliance.

Its announcement of the withdrawal sparked international concern, as other NATO members expressed regret over the US decision.