Updated on Saturday, July 04, 2009, 09:14 IST

Washington, July 04: Russia has agreed to allow American troops and weapons to fly over its airspace on the way to Afghanistan, the New York Times reported on Saturday.

The breakthrough was to be announced when US President Barack Obama visits in Moscow on Monday and Tuesday.

The Times quoted unnamed officials from Russia and the US as confirming the arrangement.

Until now, Russia has only allowed the US military to use rail transport across its region on the way to the war in Afghanistan, to transport restricted to non-lethal supplies.

The US military has launched a new offensive further into a Taliban bastion in southern Afghanistan, marking the beginning of Obama's new strategy there.

Since taking office, Obama has identified the conflict in Afghanistan as the largest national security threat facing the US, and he has sent thousands of added troops to help carry out the offensive.

IANS