During the Second World War, the Soviet Union maintained a neutral stance towards Japan until August 8, 1945, when the Soviet Union declared war on Japan and launched a surprise attack on Japanese forces in Manchuria.

The discussions between the Japanese and Soviet leadership, which began in April 1941, were focused on a possible neutrality pact between the two countries, which would have allowed Japan to focus its efforts on the war against the United States and its allies.

However, the negotiations between Japan and the Soviet Union ultimately failed, in part due to the Soviet Union's desire to protect its own interests in Asia and the ongoing territorial disputes between the two countries.

The Soviet Union's declaration of war and subsequent invasion of Manchuria played a significant role in Japan's decision to surrender, as it effectively eliminated any hope of a negotiated settlement with the Soviet Union and left Japan facing a two-front war.

Overall, the discussions between the Japanese and Soviet leadership had a limited impact on the outcome of World War II, but they did contribute to Japan's sense of isolation and its perception of being surrounded by hostile powers.
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