Peace negotiations with Russia fail initially

On 9 February 1918, the German Reich concludes a separate peace agreement with the Ukraine, the „bread basket“ of Russia. With this measure the government in Berlin hopes to achieve a noticeable improvement in Germany’s and its allies’ supply situation („bread peace“). Immediately afterward the Soviet Russian Commissar for Foreign Affairs, Leon D. Trotsky, breaks off negotiations for a German-Russian cease fire underway in Brest-Litovsk. The Central European powers react with a renewed military thrust toward the East. This leads to considerable territorial gains. As early as 26 February the Soviet leadership is forced to return to the negotiating table.

© Deutsches Historisches Museum, Berlin Delegations at the peace negotiations, December 1917