The Position of the USSR on Nuclear Weapons and Arms Control

Abstract

The Soviet nuclear doctrine is to prevent nuclear war. Nuclear power in the hands of the USSR is a means of defense against nuclear attack. The Soviet Union has officially renounced first use of nuclear weapons and expects other nuclear nations to follow suit. Progress in the negotiations on strategic and European nuclear weapons can be achieved only on the basis of the principles of equality and equal security. The Soviet Union will do everything to keep the present strategic parity with the United States and will not allow the United States to gain nuclear superiority. Among the most urgent tasks of today is to prevent an extension of the arms race into outer space. Given goodwill, common sense, and the right principles, the USSR and the United States can cooperate successfully in the area of arms control and disarmament.