Two more readings are required before the treaty can go to the upper house of parliament , the Federation Council , for consideration . NEW : Lavrov criticizes a Senate resolution meant to protect U.S. missile defense plans . The lower house of the Russian parliament has approved START . Russia and the United States have been at odds over the plan for years, with Moscow accusing Washington of violating its treaty obligations by developing an anti-ballistic missile system in violation of international law. The U.S. Senate approved the treaty this week .
NEW : Lavrov criticizes a Senate resolution meant to protect U.S. missile defense plans . The lower house of the Russian parliament has approved START . Russia and the United States have been at odds over the plan for years, with Moscow accusing Washington of violating its treaty obligations by developing an anti-ballistic missile system in violation of international law. The U.S. Senate approved the treaty this week .