Diplomatic relations between Russia and European countries, in the area where it has no influence, remain tense. The last topic discussed at the controversial political level was the “open sky” agreement. In this context, Russia is launching unprecedented threats. Romania is targeted, as are other states on the continent. Russian diplomats have issued a series of warnings, including retaliation against countries that do not respect their wishes.
Russia is launching unprecedented threats. Romania is targeted
Russia’s representatives were very firm about the states, which were in the “open sky” agreement after the United States withdrew from the alliance. During the talks in Vienna, Konstantin Gavrilov, the head of the Eastern delegation at the meeting, was very harsh about these countries, including Romania. In an interview with the Russian press, Gavrilov sought to clarify the situation:
“Long ago, we learned that Washington was secretly playing a dishonest game, and its allies were asked to accept the signing of documents, according to which they would send U.S. goods on Russian surveillance aircraft. Europeans are urging the United States to refuse to allow Russia to conduct surveillance aircraft on US military installations in Europe. This is a serious violation of the treaty. If the rest of the countries in the agreement had played the American game, our retaliation would not have been long in coming, ”Gavrilov said.
What is the “Open Sky” agreement, of which Romania is a part?
Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Romania, Canada, Czech Republic, Croatia, Denmark (including Greenland), Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, , The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, the United Kingdom, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, the United States, Sweden, Turkey, Ukraine and Hungary are the signatories to the treaty.
By signing this agreement, those states provide the United States with information about surveillance aircraft operating within their territories. The Open Sky Agreement forces the signatories of the Russian Federation to restrict flights in connection with US installations in Europe.
After the United States withdrew from the agreement on the orders of Donald Trump, Russia began to put pressure on the rest of the world. A round of talks took place between the two sides in Vienna.
Russia has been making unprecedented threats to end these decisions. Romania is targeted, especially since our country is a declared military partner of the United States. It remains to be seen whether the influence of the Russian Federation will be strong enough to make this deal disappear in the future.