The Soviet Union always thought of Finland as one of their states, even in the Finns themselves did not agree. Finland was partitioned between the Reds (communists) and Whites (independent Finland) before Moscow concluded a secret pact with Germany that would allow them to gain control of the White portion without German interference. They invaded in 1939.On this day, March 13, in 1940, following a brief but intense Winter War, the outmatched Finnish officially signed an armistice, ceding territory to Russia.

Russia had an overwhelming superiority in men and materiel over Finland, but they also lost four times as many soldiers. The Finnish army defended their positions valiantly, and taught the Russian army leaders valuable lessons they put to use in the following years in their defense against Germany.