MOSCOW (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 12th September, 2018) The United States has blocked the surveillance flights of Russia's new Tu-214 plane which was to operate under the Treaty of Open Skies, Russia's National Nuclear Risk Reduction Center Sergei Ryzhkov said on Wednesday.
"Based on the results of the tests, the heads of delegations from 22 countries have signed the final protocol permitting the surveillance flights of this aircraft over the territories of the member states. However, the head of the US delegation refused to sign the final document, referring to direct instructions from Washington, in violation of the requirements of the Treaty on Open Skies and without explaining any reasons," Ryzhkov told the official newspaper of the Russian Defense Ministry.
Ryzhkov confirmed Russia's adherence to the treaty which, according to the official, was "one of the cornerstones of the European security.
"We demand that the United States return to the Treaty on Open Skies and require explanations of this situation in accordance with the treaty provisions," Ryabkov said.
