President Trump Announces Withdrawal From US 'Open Sky Treaty'

• Agency. The United States has announced that it will withdraw from the so-called "open air treaty" on arms control.

  US President Donald Trump has announced his withdrawal from the 'Open Skies Treaty'.

  The treaty came into force in January 2002. The treaty was intended to increase confidentiality and reassurance against attacks of any kind.

  It was ratified by 35 countries of the world including Russia, Canada and UK. Concerns over the future of the treaty have been raised since the US withdrew.

  According to top officials, the United States will formally withdraw from the treaty within six months. The United States has accused Russia of violating the terms of the treaty.

  Russia's foreign ministry said in a statement that it had not violated the agreement and that it was "regrettable" that the United States had pulled out.

  The treaty paved the way for civilian flights and independent air surveillance.