Why do you suppose the Soviets did what they did?

The Soviets acted based on a combination of ideological, strategic, and security concerns. Driven by Marxist-Leninist ideology, they sought to expand their influence and promote communism globally, viewing the West as a rival. Additionally, their actions were often motivated by a desire to secure national borders and assert power in the face of perceived threats from NATO and Western countries. Ultimately, these factors shaped their aggressive foreign policies and interventions during the Cold War.