Today marks 86 years since the end of the Winter War, a conflict that began when the Soviet Union attacked Finland without a declaration of war on November 30, 1939.
Talvisota päättyi Moskovan rauhansopimukseen
The 105-day war saw the Soviet Union bomb several Finnish cities, including Helsinki, Viipuri, Turku, and Lahti. The Winter War officially concluded with the Moscow Peace Treaty, which came into effect on March 13, 1940, at 11:00.
Over 25,000 Finnish soldiers were killed in action, and more than 40,000 were wounded. More than one thousand civilians too perished. Soviet losses are estimated to have been many times greater than those of Finland.
Finland maintained its independence, but was forced to cede 11 percent of its territory to the Soviet Union, with Viipuri being the largest city lost. Other areas ceded included the eastern parts of Salla and Kuusamo, a large portion of Karelia, the outer islands of the Gulf of Finland, and the western part of Kalastajasaarenno.
The Finnish Air Force will honor the memory of those who fell in the Winter War with flyovers in Tampere, and Kajaani. A wreath-laying ceremony will be held in Tampere at the Kalevankangas Cemetery, with a flyover at 11:00, followed by a Hornet jet flying over the Messukylä Church. In Kajaani, a similar ceremony will take place at the Kajaani Churchyard, with a flyover at 18:00.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Winter War start?
The Winter War began on November 30, 1939, when the Soviet Union attacked Finland without a declaration of war.
What was the outcome of the Winter War?
The Winter War ended with the Moscow Peace Treaty on March 13, 1940. Finland maintained its independence but ceded approximately 11 percent of its territory to the Soviet Union.
How many casualties were there in the Winter War?
Over 25,000 Finnish soldiers were killed and over 40,000 were wounded. More than 1,000 civilians died. Soviet losses were significantly higher, though specific numbers are not detailed in the provided sources.
As Finland remembers the sacrifices made during the Winter War, what lessons from this period of its history continue to resonate today?
