Russia could gain by staying in Open Skies Treaty

Significance

Washington announced it was leaving the treaty on May 21, though Secretary of State Mike Pompeo indicated that this might be reviewed if Russia stopped violating the agreement. The agreement allows signatories to conduct unarmed reconnaissance flights to observe each other's heavy weapons.

Impacts

• US withdrawal gives Russia greater freedom to locate forces closer to its European and Caucasian borders.
• The decision will harm European states' ability to obtain military information.
• Other signatories may be tempted to copy the US withdrawal.