Top Russian military experts say Moscow and Washington must still overcome some key stumbling blocks in negotiating a new nuclear arms reduction treaty. The 1991 Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, or START I, expires on December 5th.

Russian military experts say US President Barack Obama's decision to scrap the plan for a missile shield in Eastern Europe, has removed one key obstacle. But negotiators are still locked in arguments on other issues.

Viktor Yesin, Former Chief of Staff of Russian Strategic Missile Forces, said, "What is important is to sign the treaty, and then at the signing ceremony the two presidents can make a political statement that they will adhere to the provisions of the treaty until its ratification. This is how matters are conducted in the diplomatic arena."