IN REAL LIFE there was a sizeable contingent of armed Ukrainian nationalists who waged an insurrection against Moscow until well into the 1950s. Also, after the war the USSR gave Ukraine the right to have its own standing army (the country took over the Soviet forces in Ukraine, even if it was nominal control). So using that as a starting point, WHAT IF…
This conflict escalated and became the East-West pressure point instead of Korea. The UN pours money, troops, air forces and armor into the conflict against the Soviets.
The Kharkov Tractor Factory is putting its T-44, T-54 output into the hands of the separatists. Everything the West put into Korea is sent off to Ukraine (but twice, three times as big). It’s a chance to defeat the Evil Empire early on.
A tank battle is looming outside Kiev…
Your turn.