Fear of economic competition: The Marshall Plan aimed to revitalize Western European economies, which could lead to increased economic competition with the Soviet Union's economic model.
Ideological differences: The Soviet Union under Stalin adhered to a centrally planned, state-driven approach to economic development, whereas the Marshall Plan embraced economic liberalization and decentralized market forces. Molotov opposed these Western economic principles.
Maintenance of Eastern European buffer zone: Soviet control over Eastern Europe provided a strategic buffer zone between the USSR and potential Western military or economic alliances that the Marshall Plan might enable.
Desire for reparations from Germany: The Soviet Union sought extensive reparations from Germany as compensation for damages during World War II. Molotov's rejection of the Marshall Plan may have aimed to pressure the Western Allies to support Soviet claims through alternative arrangements.
Geopolitical rivalry: The broader tension and distrust between the Soviet Union and the Western Bloc contributed to differing approaches toward addressing post-war reconstruction