Obama, Medvedev cite strong start in 'resetting' relations

The 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty was the keystone of subsequent efforts to limit strategic weapons, including the START treaty, but it was unilaterally scrapped by the Bush administration in 2002.

Current US plans call for stationing 10 antimissile interceptors in Poland, with associated radars in the Czech Republic. But Obama said that scheme is "under review," and could be the subject of future discussions with Moscow.

Russian experts say the ideal solution would involve a joint effort to guard against accidental missile launches or attacks by "rogue" states such as Iran or North Korea in the future.

The challenges of North Korea and Iran

Without offering many details, Obama said the two had held in-depth discussions on Iran and North Korea, which staged a series of illicit missile tests over the weekend. Russia, which hosted Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad shortly after his disputed election victory, has in the past disagreed sharply with the US about how to address Iran's alleged drive for nuclear weapons.

As for North Korea's growing nuclear brinksmanship in East Asia, Russian experts maintain that Moscow's once-considerable influence has fallen to virtually nil.

"What I hear is a new tone, which recognizes that both Russia and the US are deeply concerned about the spread of nuclear weapons and missile technology, and the need to work together to stop it," says Mr. Bazhanov. "There was a suggestion that we could move forward to jointly develop a missile defense system, and other measures to combat proliferation."

The path to Afghanistan leads through Russia

Another key deal will create a full-scale Russian "transport corridor" for the resupply of NATO forces in Afghanistan with weaponry as well as nonlethal material. But a special commission will look into other ways the two major powers – both of which have fought agonizing wars in Afghanistan – can compare notes and map out areas of cooperation (For more on that click here).

Obama doesn't take the bait

On Tuesday, Obama will deliver what's being billed as a major foreign policy address to students at Moscow's New School of Economics, meet with former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, and hold talks with representatives of Russia's embattled opposition parties and other civil society groups.

Obama is scheduled to hold a working breakfast with Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, whom many experts believe to still be the dominant figure in Russian politics.

Asked if he has settled, in his own mind, the question of who's really in charge in the Kremlin, Obama punted.

"My strong impression is that President Medvedev and Prime Minister Putin are working very effectively together," he said.

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