Talk:Timeline of the Winter War

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Military history: European / Nordic / Russian & Soviet / World War II

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Finland "preparing for an attack" and then "concentrating defensively" at the border[edit]

The timeline of the immediate lead up to the Continuation War is phrased very curiously - see selected points below.

January 1941: The Germans inform Finland of their plans for their invasion of the Soviet Union; military leaders of the two countries begin planning together for the invasion.
15 June 1941: The Finnish army begins mobilization in preparation for an attack on the Soviet Union in conjunction with Germany.
21 June 1941: Finnish troops concentrate defensively at the Finnish–Soviet border
22 June 1941: Germany launches an invasion of the Soviet Union, breaking its non-aggression treaty without warning. The Finnish immediately occupy the demilitarized Aland islands. German troops advance into Petsamo.
25 June 1941: The Continuation War officially begins after a Soviet aerial attack

Currently: Finland has foreknowledge of the planned attack, begins mobilization in preparation for an attack, then "concentrates defensively" at the border, then immediately attacks, and then - somehow - the Continuation War "begins after a Soviet aerial attack," with Finland's declaration of war being left out of the picture entirely.

Clarity is needed as to whether a). Finland wanted to attack the Soviet Union, and followed through or b). Finland wanted to defend the border. 108.52.112.198 (talk) 12:48, 19 September 2023 (UTC)[reply]