21.   Putin contends it is a cornerstone of strategic stability and should remain in place.

22.   Russia has staunchly opposed the U.S. missile defense plan, saying it would upset strategic stability.

23.   Russia has staunchly opposed the U.S. plan, saying it would upset strategic stability.

24.   That system would violate the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty, which Russia says is the keystone of world strategic stability.

25.   The chief of the Russian General Staff said Thursday that the U.S. withdrawal from the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty would endanger strategic stability but not Russia.

26.   The treaty, which sharply limits defenses against missiles as a way of discouraging a nuclear attack, is a bedrock of strategic stability, the official said.

27.   The statement said that the existence of the treaty allowed for cuts in strategic nuclear weapons and helped ensure strategic stability in the world.

28.   The statement said the two leaders also discussed efforts to forge closer ties between Russia and NATO and issues of strategic stability.

29.   Then, of course, there are the Russians, who warn of dire consequences, a new arms race and an end to strategic stability.

30.   They discussed limiting weapons proliferation and strategic stability in Europe and around the world, the statement said.