June 22, 1941
Moscow
Stalin closed the report with glacial calm. The briefing was brief—but devastating.
Germany had attacked.Not just Germany. Also Romania, Hungary, Finland… and Japan from the East.And the worst part: they had all known. Weeks in advance.
The encirclement wasn't tactical. It was political. Strategic. Continental.
"Inform Zhukov," he said hoarsely. "Total defense.And total silence.The people must not know we are surrounded."
Tokyo
In the corridors of the Imperial High Command, there was no debate—only decisions.
Tojo signed the order without hesitation: full advance into Soviet Far East.Manchuria would be the spearhead.Coordination with Berlin had been clear and precise.
"Let the Europeans learn this: wars are not won with pacts, but with simultaneous strikes," said the general, gesturing toward the map.
Japan had made its move.And there was no turning back.
London
"And you still think this is good news?" Churchill roared, slamming his hand on the desk.
"With respect, sir… Germany's opened a new front. That—"
"That means nothing if they've also reinforced Africa!" he cut in.
The report was unambiguous: several German divisions had landed in Tunisia, some with Spanish support. Rommel was no longer alone. Franco and Mussolini were carving up North Africa like it was farmland. And with Gibraltar sealed, the combined Axis fleet controlled the western Mediterranean.
"And the Royal Navy?"
"Blocked, sir. They can't pass without confronting the fleet."
Churchill swallowed hard.
"Then prepare Egypt.This war… has become a hydra."
Washington
Roosevelt stood before two maps: Europe… and Africa.
"So, they've done it.Franco too?"
"Yes, sir. Spain's sent symbolic troops to Ukraine, but their main deployment is with Rommel. Joint Spanish-Italian operations in Libya. Germany is contributing armor."
"And they hold Gibraltar.Very well. The Atlantic's ablaze. The Med is sealed. And Russia's under siege."
He paused a beat.
"Begin accelerating Lend-Lease production.We're about to support three fronts… without firing a shot."
Rome
"Share Africa with Franco?!" Mussolini thundered. "That was never part of the agreement!"
"Duce, Berlin imposed the arrangement. Franco controls coastal infrastructure. They need safe ports."
"And what am I—his errand boy?"
His minister swallowed nervously.
"The Duce… leads the southern victory."
"I know that!" Mussolini snapped. "But don't let Berlin forget who planted the flag in Tripoli first."
Madrid
Franco smoked in silence while Serrano Suñer read slowly.
"Our men have entered Ukraine without incident. But the most important message has arrived: Rommel requests additional Spanish troops for Africa."
Franco nodded.
"Gibraltar is our trump card. Germany knows it. Italy knows it.Let them fight over sand… while we secure the board."
"And Moscow?"
"The Falangists are already there. The message has been sent.Now let the Soviets bleed.And we… accumulate."
Helsinki
Mannerheim lit his pipe.The snow hadn't come yet. But the cannons were ready.
"There will be no pact. This time… only vengeance."
Bucharest
"At last," Antonescu said. "Now the map looks the way it should have all along."Bessarabia would be Romanian.And Europe… maybe Axis.
And while the world moved in treaties, betrayals, and redrawn borders...somewhere in the south of Ukraine,the Leibstandarte waited.Engine rumbling. Orders pending.Eyes fixed…on a land that never wanted to be conquered.