Finland commemorates 85th anniversary of Winter War outbreak against Soviet Union

Today marks the 85th anniversary of the onset of the Winter War, a conflict that erupted between Finland and the Soviet Union on November 30, 1939, when Soviet forces invaded Finnish territory. The war’s beginnings can be traced back to an incident known as the “Mainila shots,” where the Soviets accused Finnish artillery of firing on the village of Mainila in the Karelian Isthmus. In reality, it was the Soviets who were responsible for the shelling, as they sought to attribute blame for the war’s outbreak to Finland.

The conflict lasted for 105 days, ending with the signing of the Moscow Peace Treaty on March 12, 1940. The following day, the war officially concluded. The Winter War is a significant chapter in Finnish history, remembered for its fierce battles and the resilience of its soldiers against a much larger adversary. This anniversary serves as a solemn reminder of the impact of war and the historical struggles faced by nations during tumultuous times.