Stalin's desire for capital ships faced industrial and yard limitations even at the height of his authority. A counterfactual extends his life long enough for Stalingrad to launch and potentially enter service. A battlecruiser carrying his name would then have been politically difficult to remove. Its existence could also have encouraged Britain to retain Vanguard in reserve beyond 1960, despite the cost, to avoid appearing to fall below Soviet naval status.
Notable Point · 4:59:01-5:00:34
Completing Stalingrad could have affected Vanguard's retirement
A hypothetical completed Stalingrad links Soviet prestige to the possible continued retention of HMS Vanguard.