The two nuclear powers would also strive to reduce the number of missiles capable of delivering warheads from the current maximum of 1,600 allowed for each side to between 500 and 1,100.

The latest round of US-Russia talks is expected to focus on trying to pin more concrete numbers on the general range.

However, officials have said time is slipping away, as the December expiry date for START looms. The Washington Post reported over the weekend that in the US there was no longer a strong belief that a new deal could be reached before 2010.

If that were to happen, both sides would likely aim to extend the existing agreement until they could hammer out a follow-up treaty.