Analysts say whenever the two sides agree on a new treaty, that pact must still be ratified by the U.S.Senate and the Russian Parliament - or Duma.

VOA: standard.2009.12.07

A document setting out rules for democratic succession was approved almost three years ago, but has been ratified by only three of the 15 countries needed to take effect.

VOA: standard.2009.10.23

The treaty will have to be ratified both by Russia's Parliament and the U.S.Senate, something President Obama and his administration are committed to achieving.

VOA: standard.2010.03.26

Many around the world believe the success of the global talks will depend heavily on the positions taken by the United States, which notably never ratified the Kyoto agreement.

VOA: standard.2009.10.13