Soviet annexation and the new frontier with Romania

Chris Bellamy's account follows the establishment of a new Soviet frontier on the Prut after the acquisition of Bessarabia and Northern Bukovina. It includes Serov's reports of arrests and confessions to working for Romanian intelligence, together with Romanian bridge demolitions and attempts to prevent people returning across the river. Border installations and substantial military deployments accompanied the territorial change. The creation of the Moldavian Soviet republic required further decisions about its boundary with Ukraine. Population transfers and forced deportations made the change more than a redrawing of borders. Stalin's actions are also presented as pushing Romania into closer alignment with Hitler.