Molotov Cocktail: A Synergy Between Soviet Bread and Finnish Drink [Part 4]

November 30, 1939.

Nearly half a million members of the Soviet Union’s Red Army invaded Finland. It was a David and Goliath battle. The tiny Finnish army was fighting against the mighty Red Army in what became known as the Winter War.

In terms of infantry and artillery, the Soviet Union heavily outnumbered and outgunned Finland. Yet, Finns fought with bravery and managed to inflict significant damage on the Soviet army.

The war ended after 105 days with the signing of the Moscow Peace Treaty. Finland retained its sovereignty but had to cede 11 percent of its territory to the Soviet Union as part of the peace agreement.

The year 2019 marks the 80th anniversary of the start of the Winter War. In commemoration of the battle that the Soviet Union began without an official declaration, I have written an eight-part series. Each part describes the subject matter in detail.

The articles will be published at regular intervals, with the last one slated for March 13, 2020.

I have also sung “kauan on kärsitty”, a Finnish military song. It is not directly related to the Winter War, but has patriotic and inspiring lyrics. It is my tribute to the war veterans. You can watch it here: