pre-nuclear world with all its problems, contradictions and threats. In this context the achievement of a level of "minimal deterrence" seems for the moment to be a realistic stage on the way to a nuclear-free world. This will lead to the elimination of the most dangerous dimensions of the doctrine of deterrence while maintaining the deterrent effect of nuclear weapons themselves. The first steps in this direction have been taken. These include not only the Soviet-American Treaty on the elimination of intermediate-range and shorter-range missiles, but also the achievements in the elimination and reduction of strategic offensive weapons. CD/PV.560 6 (Mr, Batsanov. USSR) One of the main results of the Soviet-American summit meeting in Washington is that it created conditions for finalizing the treaty on the limitation and reduction of strategic weapons. Almost no one, it seems, now harbours any doubt that the treaty will be signed by the end of the year. After that it will be discussed in the highest legislative bodies of the two countries. At the same time the treaty on strategic offensive weapons is already attracting great attention, and its agreed provisions are being carefully analysed. Indeed, it is already drawing criticism. Yet despite all the differences in the assessment of the treaty, almost nobody now questions the view that it will become an important milestone, both in the history of arms control and in relations between the USSR and the United States. Of course, there have been earlier periods in Soviet-American relations when important bilateral agreements in the military and strategic field were signed. But they resulted only in the containment of the arms race in specific areas, and some limitation of the military rivalry between the USSR and the United States. It is a fact that the 1960s saw a rapid build-up of 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing a specific aspect of international relations and politics, specifically the development of arms control treaties and agreements between the USSR and the United States. The language used is formal and diplomatic, suggesting a technical or policy-focused document. The text also mentions the concept of "minimal deterrence" and the goal of achieving a nuclear-free world, which are key issues in the field of international security and disarmament.

**Category**
International relations, Science and technology