What critical impact did the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk have on Russia's resources?

The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk, signed in March 1918 between the Bolshevik government of Russia and the Central Powers, had profound implications for Russia's resources, particularly in terms of farmland. The treaty resulted in Russia ceding a significant amount of territory to Germany and its allies, including vast agricultural regions in Ukraine, Poland, and the Baltic states.

By losing these territories, Russia not only diminished its agricultural production capacity but also faced a drastic reduction in the farmland available for cultivation. Ukraine, often referred to as the "breadbasket" of Europe, was particularly critical for grain production, and its loss meant that Russia could no longer rely on these agricultural resources to support its economy or sustain its population.

This decrease in farmland was critical as it directly impacted food supply, which was already strained due to the ongoing effects of World War I, including blockades and internal strife. The loss of these territories thus had a lasting negative effect on Russia's agricultural output and resources, contributing to famine and economic hardship in the subsequent years. This context aligns closely with the reasoning behind selecting the answer regarding the significant decrease in farmland as the correct response to the question.