⚔️📍 Finnish-Soviet Border1939
Winter War — Soviet Union Invades Finland
The Soviet Union launched a massive invasion of Finland with 600,000 troops, expecting to overrun the country in two weeks. Instead, Finnish forces using ski tactics and knowledge of the terrain inflicted stunning defeats on the Soviets throughout December.
Finland's unexpectedly fierce resistance convinced Hitler that the Red Army was weak — a major factor in his decision to invade the Soviet Union in 1941.
Outcome
Finland survives 3.5 months; loses 11% of territory but stays independent