To free Ukrainians and Russians: the Soviet Union annexed Bessarabia

26 June 1940 the Soviet Union issued an ultimatum to Romania on the transfer of Bessarabia and Bukovina under the threat of military force. Fearing the red army, the Romanian government agreed to the exposed terms. Ukrainian and Russian population of the region dissatisfied with the romanization, Soviet soldiers was met with bread and salt. The result of events was the subsequent transformation of Romania into an ally of Nazi Germany.