The US and Russia have agreed to chop their nuclear arsenals by almost a third in the first major arms accord in a generation.
The new treaty -- designed to replace the 1991 START accord which expired last December -- would further shrink the massive stockpiles the United States and Russia amassed during the Cold War.
It would limit both sides to 1,550 warheads -- about 30% fewer than are currently allowed -- and 700 deployed missiles and bombers.
The White House said the measure also includes tough verification measures that will enable both sides to monitor all aspects of its implementation.
Although the agreement must still be ratified by the Senate and the Russian Duma before it takes effect, presidents Barack Obama and Dmitry Medvedev plan to sign it next month in Prague -- the city where last April, Mr Obama delivered his signature speech on arms control committing America to the ultimate goal of "a world without nuclear weapons."
"The presidents agreed that the new treaty demonstrates the continuing commitment of the United States and Russia -- the world's two largest nuclear powers -- to reduce their nuclear arsenals consistent with their obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty," the White House said.
