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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 1/8President Obama3/8 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.

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