Medvedev: START could be in effect soon

MOSCOW, Jan. 28 (UPI) -- The U.S.-Russian arms treaty could go into effect next month, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said Friday after approving treaty ratification documents.

The new Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty becomes effective after Russian and U.S. officials exchange ratification papers, expected to occur during a meeting of top diplomats in early February RIA Novosti reported.

"I have discussed this with [President Obama] of the United States," Medvedev said.

Medvedev said the new treaty defines the boundaries for strategic nuclear arms reductions for the next 10 years.

"After that, a new decision will need to be made but that is a different story," he said.

The arms reduction agreement reduces Russian and U.S. nuclear arsenals to 1,550 nuclear warheads, down from the current level of 2,200, and allows for a resumption of mutual inspections, among other things.

Russia's Parliament approved the agreement this week. The U.S. Senate approved it in December.