Soviets invade Finland, 1939

Throughout 1938, the Soviet Union conducted negotiations with Finland, pressuring the Finnish government to cede border territories, citing security concerns. Those negotiations failed. In November 1939, weeks after the outset of World War II, Russia invaded its neighbor. Despite decisive Soviet advantages in armor, aircraft, artillery, and infantry, the Finns inflicted serious casualties on the Red Army. After initial setbacks, the Soviets adjusted their strategic objectives and their battlefield tactics, eventually pressing the Finns to the breaking point. Finland negotiated an end to the Winter War, ceding nine percent of their territory.

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