C. He wanted to secure the city and control its rebuilding.
Stalin aimed to reach Berlin ahead of the other Allies to ensure that the Soviet Union would have a significant influence over the post-war landscape of Europe, particularly in Germany. By capturing Berlin, the capital of Nazi Germany, the Soviets could secure control over its rebuilding and the surrounding regions, thereby expanding their sphere of influence and establishing a foothold in Eastern Europe. This strategic move would help solidify the Soviet position in the upcoming post-war negotiations and set the stage for Soviet dominance in the region.