"SS-21" (70 kilometres) and the "Luna" or "Frog" (70 kilometres). Moreover, in Central Europe over 250 pieces of nuclear-capable artillary will be cut. These include heavy artillary of 152 mm calibre and above. Finally, 1,500 nuclear warheads will be withdrawn from that zone. This includes nuclear warheads from missiles subject to reductions, nuclear artillary shells and gravity bombs. However, the USSR is not limiting the sphere of its unilateral reductions to Central Europe only. In the European region the USSR will cut a total of 140 tactical missile launchers and 3,200 nuclear-capable artillary pieces by the end of this year. We are taking these steps unilaterally without making them subject to any pre-conditions, although we believe that they create favourable conditions for the forthcoming negotations on tactical nuclear weapons. We also note certain steps with regard to the removal of tactical nuclear warheads from the European continent taken by NATO in recent years, and we view positively President G. Bush's decision to abandon the "Lance" programme and cancel any further modernization of munitions for United States nuclear artillary deployed in Europe. We would still prefer a decision on the complete elimination of both short-range missiles and all other categories of tactical nuclear weapons, including their nuclear components. However, if NATO CD/PV.560 9 (Mr, Batsanov. USSR) countries are not ready for such a radical solution to the issue at the present time, we could also consider the possibility of an intermediate stage, that is, an asymmetric reduction to the lowest possible level. The limitation and reduction of sea-based nuclear weapons constitute a significant problem directly related to the task of ensuring a level of "minimum nuclear deterrence". Unless that problem is resolved, efforts in other areas of nuclear disarmament are likely to be devalued, since broad prospects will open up for an intensive rechannelling of military rivalry to 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be a diplomatic statement from the USSR regarding nuclear disarmament and reduction of nuclear weapons in Europe. It mentions specific numbers and types of weapons being cut, and the country's desire for further reductions and elimination of tactical nuclear weapons. The language used is formal and diplomatic, suggesting a focus on international relations and security rather than domestic issues.

**Category**
International relations, Defense and security