Soviet Influence in the Balkans

The Turning Point

Teheran Conference Decisions (1943)

At the end of 1943, the Teheran Allied Conference made two crucial decisions. First, they approved the bombardment of Bulgaria. Second, Bulgaria and Romania were designated as Soviet zones of interest until the war’s end, effectively placing their fate in Soviet hands. Additionally, the conference chose to support the Communist leader Tito in Yugoslavia over the nationalist guerilla leader Mihailovich.

Bombardment and Soviet Demands (1944)

Following these decisions, Sofia experienced heavy bombardment in January and March 1944, leading to extensive destruction. Simultaneously, the Soviet Union demanded Bulgaria open all of its Soviet consulates, a request impossible to fulfill with German troops still present. Bulgarian guerillas engaged in fierce fighting against the pro-Nazi government Daily Tours Istanbul.

Leadership Changes and Confusion (June 1944)

The Bozhilov government was replaced by Ivan Bagrianov’s administration in June 1944. Bagrianov hesitated for two months on clearing out German forces from Varna and Burgas, trying to prove Bulgaria’s neutrality to the Soviets. The nation faced confusion and weak leadership during these tumultuous days. A Bulgarian delegation went to the Cairo Conference to negotiate an armistice, but the efforts did not progress. By late August, Russian forces, assisted by Romania, reached Bulgaria’s Danubian frontier, positioning the Red Army for an invasion.

Soviet Declaration of War and Occupation (September 1944)

On September 2, 1944, Konstantin Moraviev replaced Bagrianov. On September 5, the Soviet representative met with Moraviev, expressing concerns about vital Soviet interests in the Balkans, especially the Straits. The Soviet representative reported to his government that the new Bulgarian government seemed no different from the previous ones. Based on this, and likely prearranged, Russia declared war on Bulgaria, instructing Marshal Tolbukhin to “bend the neck of the treacherous enemy.” Four days later, the Russians accepted Bulgaria’s surrender, occupying the country with full conqueror’s rights.