Russia appears close to agreeing a deal to revise the anti-ballistic missile treaty - lifting its objections to an American system of missile defence.

BBC: Shanghai showcase

When urging the parliament to ratify Start II on Friday he warned that Russia would withdraw from all arms control agreements if the US went ahead with the missile defence programme, thereby breaking the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty.

BBC: Putin seeks UK 'co-operation'

Moscow has said a move towards a missile defence strategy would violate the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty.

CNN: Powell in Berlin after Moscow talks