With peace assured in Western Europe, Hitler turned his attention to the Eastern Front. Plan Barbarossa, the invasion of the Soviet Union, became his main objective. However, unlike the historical line, Hitler presented himself as a liberator to the Russian population, promising to free them from the communist regime and establish a new order in Eastern Europe.
Preparations for the invasion were meticulous. Germany concentrated its forces and resources on the eastern border, preparing for a massive attack. Coastal defenses were further strengthened to protect against any attempted Allied naval intervention.
Hitler also sought support from the local population in the territories he planned to occupy. Propaganda tactics were used to portray the invasion as an act of liberation and improvements in living conditions under German rule were promised.
Meanwhile, in the Soviet Union, Stalin and his generals were preparing for confrontation. Defenses along the western border were reinforced and large contingents of troops were mobilized towards the border areas. Although there were signs of a possible German invasion, Stalin was cautious and did not want to rush into a war that could prove disastrous for his country.
On the diplomatic front, Germany attempted to ensure the neutrality of other countries in the region, offering guarantees of non-aggression and favorable trade agreements. However, the shadow of war loomed over Europe once again, and the future remained uncertain.