Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact

Background

Ministers Molotov and Ribbentrop sign a non-aggression treaty for the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany. A secret additional protocol divides areas of eastern Europe into spheres of influence. The pact facilitates Germany's invasion of Poland on 1 September and the Soviet invasion on 17 September 1939, followed by occupation and repression. It is not a peace guarantee for the countries concerned. Germany breaks the agreement with Operation Barbarossa on 22 June 1941.

• Joseph Stalin →
• Adolf Hitler →

Sources: USHMM — German-Soviet Pact