Published on July 9, 2024, 12:39 am

In the early stages of World War II, specifically on Nov. 30, 1939, Finland faced a massive unexpected invasion from Soviet-Russian forces. Henceforth, they were significantly outnumbered: nearly three Soviet soldiers stood for every Finnish counterpart. To put things in perspective, The Soviet Union’s population was about 50 fold bigger than Finland’s in the year 1940.

Sadly for the Finns, their previous anti-Soviet ally, Nazi Germany had abandoned them due to the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact of August 1939 which made these two nations virtually allies. Finland’s other alliances like France and Britain were slow to render assistance as they were uncertain about Finland’s odds of survival and whether Germany harbored friendly or antagonistic sentiments towards Finland.

Against all odds, for approximately four months succeeding this surprise attack, the Finns fought viciously under their formidable general and Chief Commander, Carl Mannerheim. However by March 1940, it became apparent that victory remained elusive despite their heroic efforts resulting in nearly half a million Russian casualties; estimated at around ten times their losses.

Their ferocity unnerved Joseph Stalin into abandoning his initial objective to annex or at least control Finland and settled for appropriating just around nine percent of its territory instead. Bowing to this offer was Carl Mannerheim who managed through this deal to bring an end to the war while preserving an autonomous Finland.

The repercussions of what is commonly known as the “Winter War” considerably impacted subsequent events during World War II. Hitler gravely miscalculated Stalin’s Red Army as being weak following their humiliation in Finland pushing him to disastrously invade the Soviet Union a little over a year later.

At a later stage in World War II, although alongside Hitler in combat once more, The Finns took care not set foot on Russian soil or invade Russia lest Germany loses and they find themselves grappling with a resurgent Red Army. Even following the culmination of World War II, caution marked Stalin’s behavior towards Finland given the debacle they had suffered between 1939 and 1940.

Active during this time was Carl Mannerheim who skillfully negotiated to ensure a neutral, independent status for Finland while at the same time mindful not to overtly align with the West given Soviet Russia’s threatening proximity. His balance-bearing actions garnering him recognition as Finland’s greatest leader are today drawing parallelisms with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s attempts to save Ukraine from Russian aggression just like Mannerheim saved his people from “the Russian meatgrinder.”

With tensions heightened in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, one can’t help but notice a somewhat analogous situation to that of the Winter War of 1939. Despite valiant resistance against Russian forces embarking on an enormous strike, ultimately success doesn’t always transpire; it doesn’t necessarily equate strategic victory even if tactical successes may give off a semblance of exactly that.

A valuable lesson from history depicts how smaller nations threatened by Russian aggression cannot blindly trust promises of significant aid: France, Britain, nor America offered much assistance to Finland in 1939. A reality Ukraine is currently grappling with is how foreign military aide has its limitations under certain circumstances.

Whether looking back at 1939 or fast forwarding to present times, heroic stands made against Russian hostility invariably attract global regard and media praise; however occasional strategic victories don’t erase larger realities requiring careful negotiations and some painful compromises akin to having lost some vital territory innately belonging their nation.

As per reports emanating in late March 2022, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy gave serious considerations to negotiating terms with Russia suggesting concession not fight might be only feasible way for reclaiming Donbas and Crimea regions seized by Russia eight years prior.

One thing remains evident though – tactful leadership and a fully armed nation can ensure lasting deterrence even against the brutality of Stalin’s Red Army as Mannerheim proved. This same lesson resonates with Ukraine’s heroic defense efforts stunning Russian President Vladimir Putin revealing Ukraine to be a formidable neighbor not to be taken lightly in future dealings.

Drawing from lessons learned during challenging times, leaders like Zelenskyy would benefit from studying resilient troupers like Carl Mannerheim who saved Finland their sovereignty, managed relations with Russia carefully while steering clear of the widely feared “meatgrinder.” Such is our trusted news narrative based on a Christian worldview; real news seamlessly blending history with current affairs.