In the present extremely complicated international situation , the Soviet Union is not only calling for its improvement and for the reduction and complete elimination of weapons of mass destruction and conventional arms and putting forward specific proposals to this effect, but is also taking practical steps in this direction. We have unilaterally renounced the first use of nuclear weapons and introduced a moratorium on any nuclear explosions. We have suspended the deployment of medium- range missiles in Europe and have recently gone even further: we have declared to the whole world that we will not be the first to step into outer space with weapons. The major unilateral steps taken by the Soviet Union during the course of this year represent our positive reply to resolution 39/148 A, adopted by the General Assembly last year, which contains an appeal to this effect addressed to the Member States of the United Nations. MLG/sm A/C.l/40/PV.S 18 (Mr. Petrovsky , USSR) At the same time, it is obvious that, if progress is to be made along the path of limiting and stopping the arms race, unilateral efforts are not enough. Responsible decisions and responsible actions of other countries , too, are needed for this purpose. The Soviet Union approached the new negotiations with the United States on nuclear and space arms guided by a feeling of great responsibility to its own people and to other peoples for peace on earth. We are pleased that the United States accepted our proposal to hold these negotiaions. our firm desire is to conduct them honestly and seriously, and we will strive to agree on significant and genuine results in the form of very substantial reductions of strategic and medium-range nuclear weapons. But these goals can be achieved only if the other side, too, strictly adheres to the understanding reached last January on the 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be a statement by the Soviet Union on its stance regarding disarmament and arms control, highlighting its unilateral efforts and proposal for negotiations with the United States. The language used is diplomatic and focused on international relations, suggesting that the text is primarily concerned with the political and strategic aspects of disarmament.

**Category**
International relations, Science and technology