After indulging in a sumptuous luncheon, the members of the German Empire and the Bolshevik delegation commenced their formal discussions. The atmosphere had markedly shifted from the previous cordiality to one of palpable tension.
"Comrade Commissioner," began German Foreign Minister von Kidlerun-Washit, his gaze unwavering, "in light of the immense losses inflicted upon the German Empire by the Russian military during this war, we expect your party to acquiesce to the following demands:
1. A declaration of ceasefire by both parties.
2. Full demobilization of the Russian forces. Prior to signing a comprehensive treaty, Russian warships must return to their home ports or be disarmed immediately. Following the treaty's ratification, all major Russian warships shall be transferred to the German Empire.
3. Russia must relinquish all claims of jurisdiction and sovereignty over Poland, Belarus, Lithuania, Courland, Livonia, and Estonia (i.e., Poland and the Baltic states).
4. Until the comprehensive treaty is concluded and Russian forces are fully demobilized, Germany will maintain occupation of territories it controls east of the aforementioned regions prior to the treaty signing.
5. Russia shall recognize the independence of Ukraine and Finland and withdraw its military presence from Finland, Ukraine, and the Åland Islands.
6. Russia is to pay reparations to Germany totaling twelve billion marks.
7. Germany commits to non-interference in Soviet internal affairs and will not launch an offensive against Russia from Finland."
The conditions laid forth by von Kidlerun-Washit were even more stringent than those proposed by Qin Tian. The latter's terms had represented the German negotiating stance, but the Foreign Minister had raised the stakes to provide the Bolsheviks with a semblance of room for negotiation.
The stark nature of these demands left the Bolshevik representatives astounded. They could scarcely fathom that Germany would present such an ultimatum. The severity of these conditions rendered Trotsky and his fellow delegates momentarily speechless.
As the head of the Bolshevik delegation, Trotsky was acutely aware that the Germans would certainly demand exorbitant concessions, but he had not anticipated their appetite would be so insatiable. Should the Bolsheviks acquiesce to these terms, they would suffer significant losses. Even if they managed to gain control of Russia, they would find it nearly impossible to emerge as a powerful nation, especially under Germany's hegemony in Europe.
Upon hearing Germany's demands, Trotsky felt an overwhelming urge to withdraw in protest. Such conditions were absolutely unacceptable. Yet, he recognized that failure in negotiations would compel the Germans to discard their hypocritical façade and launch an offensive against Russia. Given the formidable might of the German army, they could not hope to withstand such an onslaught. If that occurred, their losses would be catastrophic, jeopardizing their ability to combat opposing factions.
"Your conditions, Minister, are excessively harsh. It was Tsar Nicholas II who embroiled Russia in this conflict, not us. We are fervently committed to peace. Therefore, Germany should not impose such rigorous terms upon us," Trotsky asserted.
"Comrade Commissioner, regardless of the circumstances, Russia has indeed entered this war. Consequently, wishing to exit entails a considerable price. Otherwise, the Empire cannot justify this to its people," von Kidlerun-Washit replied, feigning a look of consternation.
"Minister, we are willing to cede the Kingdom of Poland to your nation. Additionally, we can provide reparations of twenty billion marks. This is the only offer we can accept," Trotsky declared.
Von Kidlerun-Washit smiled, though his expression suggested he found their offer utterly inadequate. As the victor in this conflict, particularly on the Eastern Front, how could the German Empire settle for so little? Accepting such paltry terms would render their efforts in the war meaningless.
"Minister, this truly represents our bottom line. Otherwise, we would struggle to justify our position to the Russian populace," Trotsky insisted.
"Ha! Comrade Commissioner, do you really believe you need to appease the populace? Your satisfaction is what truly matters, while public opinion holds no sway over your decisions," von Kidlerun-Washit remarked, laughter underlining his words.
Trotsky grasped the derision hidden within the Foreign Minister's comments. Indeed, the Bolsheviks prioritized party interests above all else, showing little regard for the welfare of the people or the nation. However, having such a reality laid bare before them felt like a slap in the face, rendering Trotsky visibly displeased. Yet he understood that now was not the time to confront the Germans directly, and he must endure.
"Minister, your conditions are undeniably excessive, and we cannot acquiesce," Trotsky's face flushed with indignation.
"Very well, Commissioner. If you are unable to accept the Empire's terms, we shall consider this negotiation concluded. In that case, we will resort to military force to obtain what we seek. I hope this will not adversely affect our future relations," von Kidlerun-Washit stated with a firm resolve.
At that moment, Trotsky's countenance shifted from red to a deep shade of green. He understood all too well that this was a blatant threat from the Germans. Their intentions were clear: should the Bolsheviks reject their demands, military action would follow, leading to even greater costs for the Bolshevik party.
"Minister, I will report your demands to my superiors. However, I maintain my stance that your terms are unacceptably harsh," Trotsky replied resolutely.
"Of course, Commissioner. We have laid out our conditions; whether you accept them is now your prerogative. We shall grant you three days to consider. If you fail to provide us with a satisfactory response after that time, we shall have no choice but to terminate negotiations," von Kidlerun-Washit pressed further.
Trotsky nodded grimly, his expression reflecting the weight of the threat looming over them. Faced with such intimidation from the Germans, he felt utterly powerless, fully aware of their precarious position.