It was a complex war. I think the soviets supported people who subscribed to their ideological beliefs, which they also forced on the republic. Many say they undermined the revolution more than anyone. This is from anarchist histories I’ve read of the Revolution.

> Stalin did support the Republic against the fascist uprising supported by Hitler and Mussolini. And it was the only country that supported a democratic regime against a blatant fascist military coup.

This phrasing implies that supporting a democratic regime (over fascism) was somehow their actual goal, which is hardly the case.