How did the Soviet Union react to the formation of NATO?

The reaction of the Soviet Union to the formation of NATO was to establish the Warsaw Pact as a counter-alliance. The creation of NATO in 1949, which included several Western countries united for mutual defense, was perceived by the Soviet leadership as a direct threat to their security and influence in Europe. In response, the Soviet Union sought to solidify its control over Eastern Europe and create a military alliance of its own to counter NATO. Thus, in 1955, the Warsaw Pact was formed, bringing together the Soviet Union and its Eastern European satellite states. This alliance served to coordinate defense strategies among its members and was a key element in the Cold War dynamic, highlighting the geopolitical tensions between the Soviet bloc and the Western powers. This context is essential to understanding the historical developments and military stratagems during the Cold War.