What are the three areas of responsibility of the Soviet Union?

The three areas of responsibility of the Soviet Union during the Cold War were categorized primarily in terms of military strategic zones, which were designated as the Northwestern, Southwestern, and Western Theater of Operations (TVD). These designations reflect the operational focus and command organization that the Soviet Union employed for its military forces during potential conflicts, particularly with Western NATO forces.

The Northwestern TVD was significant as it covered the northern part of the European theater, focusing on potential engagements in regions such as the Baltic states and northern Poland. The Southwestern TVD encompassed the southeastern part of Europe, including the strategic areas around the Carpathians and the Balkans, which were vital for controlling southern approaches to Central Europe. The Western TVD was critical for addressing direct threats from NATO forces in Western Europe and was central to the overall Soviet military strategy.

This organizational structure was essential for addressing the geopolitical landscape of the time, with each TVD playing a distinct role in the Soviet military's operational planning and execution. Hence, the identification of these theaters as areas of responsibility is rooted in their strategic importance and historical context during the Cold War.