Marshal Shaposhnikov's statement was somewhat unexpected. After all, he had always remained neutral before. Now, he has openly expressed his stance. Moreover, it seems that he is still on the side of Molotov. This caused some neutral people among the leaders of Russian Provisional Government to gradually change their attitudes.
"Comrades, I can tell you responsibly. With our current military strength, it is impossible to resist German offensive. Once German military's army advances to Chelyabinsk, we will simply not be able to resist it. At that time, we will only continue to retreat." Marshal Shaposhnikov said.
"Yes, comrades. As Comrade Shaposhnikov said, we can no longer resist the Germany people's attack. In other words, we have already completely lost. If we continue to reject the Germany people If we continue to contend with the Germany people, we will only pay a higher price. Therefore, agreeing to the Germany people's conditions is our best choice at the moment!" Mikoyan said immediately.
"You! You are betraying Russia's interests!" Andreyev was shaking with anger. Marshal Shaposhnikov's statement made him very angry. Because this means that in the competition with Molotov, with the support of the army, he is completely at a disadvantage.
"Comrade Andreyev, we are thinking about the country. If we continue to resist, our country will perish. By then, we will have nothing. In that case, how can we face Comrade Ulyanov and Comrade Joseph?" Kalinin also said.
There is no doubt that after this incident, Molotov faction and Andreyev have already broken out. Originally, Molotov faction was at a disadvantage. But now, Marshal Shaposhnikov unexpectedly takes the side of Molotov. This immediately caused a huge change in the strength comparison between the two sides.
The attitudes of other Russia leaders also changed as a result.
"It is indeed not appropriate to continue to compete with the Germany people. That would be of no benefit to us. Although the conditions of the Germany people are a bit harsher. However, it is better than the Germany people directly sending troops to destroy our country!" Khrushchev, who has always been an invisible man, expressed his position.
"Yes, Germany's people are powerful, and we have no way to fight against Germany's people. We'd better agree to Germany's conditions!" Zhdanov also said. Although, he was a supporter of Andreyev before. But at this time, he undoubtedly made a choice again.
Andreyev was very angry when he saw this situation. He knew that after Shaposhnikov expressed his support for Molotov, he was already dead. The power within Politburo has undergone a fundamental reversal. Even his original supporters have now abandoned him.
"I also think that we should agree to Germany's conditions!" Kaganovich said.
"Very good, Comrade Andreyev, do you want to continue to persist?" Mikoyan looked at Andreyev with a smile on his face.
"Hmph! If you betray the interests of the country, the people will definitely not support you!" Andreyev said bitterly. After speaking, he left the conference room directly. He knew that he had failed. If he stayed, it would be of no use. Instead, he would gain endless humiliation.
"Comrades, then we can be considered to have reached an agreement. I left to inform Comrade Molotov that he is still dealing with Moscow and Germany people. Talk to Germany earlier. If the people reach a consensus, we can also get the Germany people to stop their military operations earlier, so that we will no longer be threatened by the Germany people," Mikoyan said.
The other Russia leaders nodded. They all know that Molotov has won this competition. Others can no longer stop Molotov from succeeding Supreme Leader from Russia.
Moscow, Molotov's residence, the secretary quickly entered his room.
"Comrade Molotov, this is Telegram sent by Chelyabinsk. The Politburo meeting has reached a consensus and accepted all the conditions proposed by Germany. I heard that during the meeting, Comrade Shaposhnikov expressed support for you. Later, Comrade Khrushchev, Comrade Zhdanov and Comrade Kaganovich also expressed support for accepting Germany's conditions." The secretary's face was full of excitement.
He knows what this means. All these leaders support Molotov's opinions, which means that Molotov has been recognized by everyone. In the next step, Molotov becomes Supreme Leader of Russia. This is already a certainty.
Molotov nodded, but there was no joy on his face. He knew that the reason why the Russian Provisional Government leaders had such a change was entirely because of the German Air Force bombing.
Facing German Air Force's fierce bombing, those leaders finally gave in. They don't have the guts to continue fighting against the Germany people. This cannot but be said to be a tragedy. The once powerful Russia is gone forever, replaced by a Russia that has been defeated. The next Russia will probably continue to exist as a small country. After all, the Russia territory east of the Ural Mountains and Ural River is still extremely vast. In terms of territorial area, it is still the most powerful country in the world. However, the land full of frozen soil, as well as the sparse population and weak industrial base, will become bottlenecks restricting the development of Russia.
However, for Molotov, it is very good for Russian Provisional Government leaders to surrender. In this case, at least his position in Russia is established. Not surprisingly, after signing the peace treaty with the Germany people this time, he will be able to take office as Russia Supreme Leader. Even the shrunken Russia is still the Supreme Leader of Russia!
"Your Excellency Foreign Minister, congratulations, German Empire has won again. Russian Provisional Government has approved the agreement and accepted the conditions proposed by your country." Molotov said.
"Very good, Your Excellency the Commissioner. This is also of great benefit to your country. At least, the war is over. We will no longer pay casualties for this." Ribbentrop said.
Molotov nodded. Yes, Russia lost the war, but they no longer had to send their boys to die on the battlefield.
"By the way, congratulations, Your Excellency the Commissioner. Maybe next time we meet, you will have become the leader of Russia." Ribbentrop is equally clear about everything that happened to Chelyabinsk.
"I will always be Germany's friend!" Molotov said.