Geography constrains a non-nuclear US-Soviet war after the naval phase

Where would a non-nuclear war between the United States and Soviet Union in the 1940s actually be fought?

After an early Soviet naval defeat, the war would turn toward difficult Arctic approaches or US amphibious operations near Archangel or Vladivostok.

The United States would likely eliminate the contemporary Soviet navy early in a non-nuclear conflict. Once that maritime imbalance is settled, geography becomes the main problem. Soviet options would include hazardous movement across the Bering Strait or northern Canada, while the United States might consider amphibious operations near Archangel or Vladivostok. A route through Canada could also pull Britain into the fighting, showing how access and alliance geography shape even a two-power counterfactual.