While critics say the withdrawal is a blow to U.S. allies, the deal has not necessarily passed, as Moscow has focused more on aerial surveillance of European states than on U.S. surveillance. The Trump administration announced in May that it would leave the pact by the end of 2020. The treaty, which allows nearly three dozen signatory countries to inspect other countries` military installations from above, came into force in 2002, but U.S. officials have made complaints about Russia`s behavior, arguing that satellite imagery is a better option. In October 2019, according to House of Representatives documents, the President of the United States plans to withdraw from the “Open Skies” treaty. [22] [23] NATO allies and partners, particularly Ukraine, were opposed to this approach, fearing that Russia would reduce or ban overflights, thereby reducing their knowledge of Russian military movements. [24] Since 2002, 40 missions have been organized over the United Kingdom.
There were 24 quota missions carried out by: Russia – 20; Ukraine – three; and Sweden – one. There were 16 training flights from: Benelux (jointly with Estonia); Estonia (in conjunction with the Benelux); Georgia – three (a commune with Sweden); Sweden – three (a commune with Georgia); United States – three; Latvia; Lithuania; Romania; Slovenia; Yugoslavia. [12] Also since 2002, the United Kingdom has carried out a total of 51 open-air missions – 38 quota missions in the following countries: Ukraine (five); Georgia (seven) and Russia (26); 13 missions were training missions in the following nations: Bulgaria; Yugoslavia; Estonia; Slovenia (three); Sweden (three); United States; Latvia, Lithuania and Benelux. Flights cost approximately $50,000 per mission and approximately $25,000 for training missions with approximately $175,000 per year. [13] Critics denounce the fact that Beijing has asked other major countries to enter into arms control agreements when they refused to participate in such agreements, including the Medium-Range Nuclear Forces Agreement (INF), which expired last year.