[tom h]

Interesting consideration. Prior to the invasion in June 1941, Stalin was speculating as to what Hitler's expectations were in Soviet Russia openly with the Politboro. Based on Mein Kampf, they suspected it was the Ukraine, the Pripet Marshes, and the Baltic States, which would allow for German domination of the Baltic Sea.

A tome I read about Stalingrad said that Stalin, in a weak moment within the first 60 days of the invasion, was willing to concede these in a peace treaty if Hitler would stop the offensive. It was the Bulgarian Ambassador who assured Stalin, that, ultimately, Russia would prevail, if they just had the willpower, in a war of attrition.

[ken5050]

You can find a detailed discussion of Hitler’s overall eastern strategy, before the war began, in Paul Carell’s “Hitler Moves East.” A superb read..