The US has begun talks with Russia and a UN arms control committee about strengthening internet security and limiting military use of cyberspace.

American and Russian officials have different interpretations of the talks so far, but the mere fact that the US is participating represents a significant policy shift after years of rejecting Russia’s overtures. Officials familiar with the talks said the Obama administration realized that more nations were developing cyberweapons and that a new approach was needed to blunt an international arms race.

Last month, a delegation led by Gen Vladislav Sherstyuk, a deputy secretary of the Russian Security Council, met in Washington with representatives from the National Security Council and the Departments of State, Defense and Homeland Security. Officials familiar with these talks said the two sides made progress in bridging divisions that had long separated the countries.

Viktor Sokolov, deputy director of the Institute of Information Security in Moscow, a policy research group run by General Sherstyuk, said the Russian view was that the American position on internet security had shifted perceptibly in recent months. He characterized this new round of discussions as the opening of negotiations between Russia and US on a possible disarmament treaty for cyberspace, something Russia has long sought but US has resisted.

A State Department official disputed the Russian characterization of the American position. While the Russians have continued to focus on treaties that may restrict weapons development, the US is hoping to use the talks to increase international cooperation in opposing internet crime.

Strengthening defenses against Internet criminals would also strengthen defenses against any military-directed cyberattacks, the United States maintains. An administration official said the United States was seeking common ground with the Russians.