Talks concerning the Soviet Union's potential entry as a fourth Axis Power in World War II
These 1940 negotiations exposed Hitler's deceptive diplomacy toward the USSR, accelerating his decision to launch Operation Barbarossa.
Key Facts
- Conference dates
- 12–14 November 1940
- Soviet counterproposal date
- 25 November 1940
- Proposed Axis powers
- Germany, Italy, Japan, Soviet Union
- Hitler's invasion decision
- Already made in July 1940 before talks began
- German response to counterproposal
- No response; negotiations left unresolved
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact era created diplomatic momentum for further Soviet-German cooperation. Ribbentrop favored a genuine four-power alliance and persuaded Hitler to allow negotiations, while Hitler—who had already privately decided to invade the USSR by July 1940—used the talks to probe Soviet intentions before launching Operation Barbarossa.
Soviet Foreign Minister Molotov met Hitler and Ribbentrop in Berlin from 12 to 14 November 1940. Ribbentrop presented a written draft pact defining world spheres of influence among four Axis powers. Molotov held firm, demanding German withdrawal from Finland and access to the Baltic. On 25 November, Stalin submitted a written counterproposal accepting a four-power pact but insisting on Soviet rights in Bulgaria and influence over Iraq and Iran.
Germany never responded to the Soviet counterproposal, leaving negotiations unresolved. Hitler characterized Stalin as a 'cold-blooded blackmailer' and the failed talks reinforced his determination to invade the Soviet Union. The episode is regarded as a key prelude to Operation Barbarossa, launched in June 1941.
Political Outcome
Negotiations collapsed after Germany ignored the Soviet counterproposal of 25 November 1940; no alliance was formed and Hitler proceeded with invasion planning.
Soviet Union engaged in diplomatic partnership with Nazi Germany under Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact
Negotiations failed, deepening mutual suspicion and setting the stage for Germany's invasion of the Soviet Union