President Ronald Reagan imposed economic sanctions on the Soviet Union in response to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979. In addition to the economic sanctions, Reagan also authorized a covert operation to provide military aid to the Afghan rebels fighting against the Soviet-backed government.
In the years following the imposition of the sanctions, Reagan continued to apply pressure on the Soviet Union through various means, including increasing military spending, supporting anti-communist movements in other countries, and deploying intermediate-range nuclear missiles in Europe. This strategy, known as "peace through strength," was intended to demonstrate the United States' resolve to resist Soviet aggression and ultimately bring about the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Reagan also engaged in negotiations with Soviet leaders, most notably Mikhail Gorbachev, which led to the signing of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty in 1987. This treaty eliminated an entire class of nuclear weapons and marked a significant step forward in the arms control efforts between the two superpowers.
Overall, Reagan's approach to the Soviet Union was characterized by a combination of economic and military pressure, diplomatic engagement, and a commitment to arms control.