How does the following quote from Stalin provide justification for his expansionist policy?

Is it odd that the Soviet Union, wishing to ensure its safety, in the future works toward having in those countries' governments loyal to the Soviet Union?
—Joseph Stalin

Question

How does the following quote from Stalin provide justification for his expansionist policy?

Is it odd that the Soviet Union, wishing to ensure its safety, in the future works toward having in those countries' governments loyal to the Soviet Union?
—Joseph Stalin

anonymous · Answer

He's playing with words. His critics say 'expansionist' but to Stalin, he's seeing it more as a guarantee of the USSR's safety. He wanted to turn Eastern Europe into a giant buffer zone between the USSR and the West and wanted the countries there to play ball with him even if it meant flexing his influence to make sure that happened.