Talvisksi

Talvisksi, also known as the Winter War, was a military conflict fought between the Soviet Union and Finland from November 30, 1939, to March 13, 1940. The war was a result of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, a non-aggression pact between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union, which divided Eastern Europe into spheres of influence. Finland, which had remained neutral during the early stages of World War II, was invaded by the Soviet Union on November 30, 1939. The Soviet Union's primary objective was to gain access to Finland's ports on the Baltic Sea, which would have allowed it to bypass the Finnish-controlled Gulf of Finland and gain a direct route to the Atlantic Ocean.

The Finnish military, despite being outnumbered and outgunned, managed to hold out against the Soviet forces for nearly three months. The Finnish Army, known for its effective use of winter warfare tactics, including the use of ski troops and the construction of defensive lines, managed to slow down the Soviet advance. The Battle of Suomussalmi, fought in February 1940, was a significant turning point in the war, as the Finnish forces managed to halt the Soviet advance and push them back.

The war ended on March 13, 1940, when the Soviet Union and Finland signed the Moscow Peace Treaty. The treaty recognized Finland's independence and established its borders as they were before the war. The war had significant consequences for both Finland and the Soviet Union. For Finland, the war was a test of its military capabilities and a reminder of the importance of maintaining its independence. For the Soviet Union, the war was a setback in its expansionist policies and a reminder of the strength of its neighbors. The Winter War is considered one of the most significant conflicts of the 20th century, as it marked the beginning of the Soviet Union's expansion into Eastern Europe and the end of Finland's period of neutrality.