In the days immediately following the partition of Poland the Soviets exerted their influence on the Baltic states which consisted of Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia. In doing so they acquired base rights in the countries and basically made them puppets to the Soviets. Throughout the war the Baltic states would be victims of the two larger waring states. First they were occupied by the Soviets then the Germans rolled in only to cede them back to the Soviet Union who absorbed them into their post WWII nation until the crumbling Soviet Union recognized their independence in 1991.
I guess Stalin’s skill was showcased by the way he finessed the Balts into going along with the program. He made them offers they couldn’t refuse.