1939 ⟶ Soviet Shelling of Mainila Incident

The Soviets stage the shelling of Mainila, Soviet artillery ...
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Year
1939
1940

💣 Soviet Shelling of Mainila Incident

The Soviets stage the shelling of Mainila, Soviet artillery shells a field near the Finnish border, accusing Finns of killing Soviet troops.⟶
Soviet Shelling of Mainila Incident (1939)
USSRFinlandWinter WarProvocationBorder DisputeDiplomacyMilitaryFalse Flag

⚠️ Stalin Threatens Finland Regarding Delays in Negotiations

Finns meet Stalin again. Stalin tells them that "an accident" might happen between Finnish and Soviet troops, if the negotiations last too long.⟶
RussiaFinlandSoviet UnionThreatNegotiationsDiplomacyWinter WarStalin

🇫🇮 Finland Rejects Soviet Border Demands

Finland and Soviet Union again negotiate new borders. Finns mistrust Stalin's aims and refuse to give up territory breaking their defensive line.⟶
Finland Rejects Soviet Border Demands (1939)
FinlandSoviet UnionBorder DisputesWinter WarTerritorial ClaimsDiplomacyResistance

⚔️ Soviet Union Attacks Finland: Start of Winter War

The Soviet Union attacks Finland in what would become known as the Winter War.⟶
Soviet Union Attacks Finland: Start of Winter War (1939)
USSRFinlandWinter WarInvasionMilitaryEastern EuropeWarConflictMilitary CampaignWorld War II

💥 Helsinki Bombed; Finns Retreat to Mannerheim Line

Russia continues its war against Finland; Helsinki is bombed. In the first two weeks of the month, the Finns retreat to the Mannerheim line, an outmoded defensive line just inside the southern border with Russia.⟶
Helsinki Bombed; Finns Retreat to Mannerheim Line (1939)
FinlandUSSRWinter WarBombingMilitaryMannerheim LineDefenseEastern EuropeWar

❄️ Soviet Offensive Halted in Finland

The Soviet offensive in Finland is halted by several Finnish victories; numerous Soviet tanks are destroyed.⟶
RussiaFinlandWinter WarMilitaryOffensiveSoviet Union