Everything Everywhere Daily · Sunday, August 16, 2026
Despite moving into promised territories and facing some resistance from Japanese forces, the Soviet Union did not press for control over Japanese home islands due to US pushback and their status as a nuclear state. Stalin chose to focus Soviet efforts on influencing Europe rather than directly occupying Japanese territory.
“The Soviet Union faced resistance from Japanese forces who put up a fight even after Japan formally surrendered. The Soviet Union likely wanted control over parts of the Japanese home islands, despite entering the war against Japan only days before it ended.”
“However, after receiving US pushback, as well as recognizing their power as the world's only nuclear state, the Soviets did not press the issue.”
“However, unlike the other allies, Stalin did not supply Soviet troops. Instead, the Soviet Union focused its efforts on influencing Europe.”