What was the main goal of the USSR after World War 2?

After World War II, the main goal of the USSR was to expand its influence and establish a buffer zone of friendly communist states in Eastern Europe to prevent any future invasions. The Soviet leadership aimed to promote communist ideology globally, counter Western capitalism, and solidify its status as a superpower. This led to the establishment of satellite states and the onset of the Cold War, characterized by political, military, and ideological rivalry with the United States and its allies.