Why did Stalin want to control the Eastern European countries?

Stalin sought to control Eastern European countries to create a buffer zone against potential invasions, particularly from the West, following the devastation of World War II. He aimed to spread communist ideology and secure political and military influence in the region, ensuring that these nations would align with Soviet interests. This control also allowed the Soviet Union to consolidate its power and expand its sphere of influence, contributing to the establishment of a divided Europe during the Cold War.