In July 1942, Joseph Stalin was frustrated with the Allied forces primarily due to their perceived lack of immediate military support and action on the Eastern Front against Nazi Germany. The Soviet Union was enduring significant losses in its struggle against the German invasion, particularly following the disastrous defeat at the Battle of Stalingrad, which began in late August 1942 but was preceded by increasing pressure on the Soviet forces in the summer months.
Stalin and the Soviet leadership were eager for the Allies, particularly the United States and the United Kingdom, to open a second front in Western Europe to relieve some of the pressure on Soviet troops. They were advocating for an Allied invasion in France or other offensives that could draw German resources and attention away from the Eastern Front. However, the Allies were focused on mobilizing their resources and strategizing for such an operation, which resulted in delays that frustrated Stalin.
Additionally, there were underlying tensions regarding the differing military strategies and priorities between the Soviet Union and the Western Allies. Stalin’s anger was compounded by the dire situation on the Eastern Front, where the Soviet Union was engaged in a desperate fight for survival against the advancing German forces.