Käännynnäiskampanjoiden

Käännynnäiskampanjoiden refers to a series of military operations conducted by the Finnish Army during the Winter War (1939-1940) and the Continuation War (1941-1944) against the Soviet Union. The term "käännynnäiskampanjoiden" translates to "counteroffensive campaigns" in English.

The first significant käännynnäiskampanjoiden took place during the Winter War, where the Finnish Army launched a series of successful counterattacks against the Soviet forces. These operations, such as the Salla and Summa campaigns, aimed to stabilize the front lines and gain strategic advantages. The counteroffensives were crucial in preventing a complete collapse of Finnish defenses and in buying time for the Finnish military to reorganize and reinforce their positions.

In the Continuation War, the Finnish Army continued to employ käännynnäiskampanjoiden strategies, although the scale and success of these operations were more limited due to the superior Soviet forces. Notable examples include the Tali-Ihantala and Rautu campaigns, which aimed to relieve besieged Finnish units and gain territorial concessions.

The käännynnäiskampanjoiden were characterized by their tactical flexibility, innovative use of terrain, and the ability of Finnish troops to adapt to changing battlefield conditions. These campaigns demonstrated the resilience and fighting spirit of the Finnish Army, despite facing overwhelming odds against the Soviet Union.

Overall, the käännynnäiskampanjoiden played a vital role in the Finnish defense during both the Winter War and the Continuation War, showcasing the military's ability to conduct effective counteroffensives against a much larger and more powerful adversary.