In mid-June 1940, when international attention was focused on the German invasion of France, Soviet NKVD troops raided border posts in Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia.[1][131] State administrations were liquidated and replaced by Soviet cadres;[127] as a result, 34,250 Latvians, 75,000 Lithuanians and almost 60,000 Estonians were deported or killed.[132] Elections were held with single pro-Soviet candidates listed for many positions, with resulting peoples assemblies immediately requested admission into the USSR, which was granted by the Soviet Union.[127]