As the world celebrates Victory in Europe Day, let us not forget how World War II began — with a deal.

In 1939, Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union signed the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact. This agreement set the stage for the joint destruction of Europe.

Hitler invaded Poland from the west, and Stalin followed from the east. The USSR then attacked Finland, annexed the Baltics, and seized territory from Romania. Between 1939 and 1941, the Soviets supplied Nazi Germany with oil, grain, and raw materials — fueling its conquest of Europe.

Stalin was not Hitler’s victim. He was his partner in crime. Together, they ignited a war that would claim over 70 million lives.

Truth matters more than propaganda.