Russo-Finnish wars

Russo-Finnish wars, conflicts during World War II. The first, the Winter War (1939–40), arose from rejection of Russian demands for military bases in Finland, territorial concessions, and the dismantling of the Mannerheim line, Finland's defense system across the Karelian Isthmus. When the Russians attacked (Nov. 30), the Finns unexpectedly threw them back. But in Feb. 1940 the Mannerheim line was broken and Finland signed the Peace of Moscow (March 12), surrendering about 10% of its territory. In the Continuation War (1941–44), Finland fought alongside Nazi Germany, and was forced to pay reparations to the USSR and to lease it the Porkkala Peninsula (returned in 1956).

See also: World War II.