Russian President Vladimir Putin will submit the bill to the parliament for deliberation and approval, and finally sign it into law, officially ending Russia's participation in the treaty.

The Treaty on Open Skies was designed to enhance mutual understanding and confidence by giving all participants, regardless of size, a direct role in gathering information about military forces and activities of concern to them.

It entered into force on January 1, 2002, and currently has 34 party states.

The United States officially withdrew on 22 November 2020. Russia also announced intentions to exit the treaty on January 15, 2021, citing the U.S. withdrawal and the inability of the member nations to assure that no further details would be shared with the U.S. now. (ILKHA)