> In 1945 we could have at least have pushed the Russians out of the countries they’d occupied… <
Yes, but it would have been a terrible, bloody mess. As I noted earlier, the Red Army of 1945 was a crack outfit, and very stubborn on defense. As you noted, it probably would have taken a nuclear weapon.
But the Congress and the American people would never have stood for such a thing. In a way, it would be like if Biden launched a surprise nuclear attack on North Korea. Maybe that would stave off many future problems. But it would also horrify many people, including me.
Would the generals even obey such an order, by Truman in 1945 or by Biden in 2023?
Interesting hypotheticals, anyway!
The correct way this all should have played out was for the West to not support Russia during World War Two and at the end of it to insist they withdraw from any conquered territories or else face total destruction and conquest.
Don’t forget that Russia was Hitler’s willing co-conspirator in the invasion of Poland which started WW2.
Creepy Joe would nuke South Korea.