Very frequently in Poland, the opposition which Ukraine is presently putting in the war with Russia against the struggles of Finland at the turn of 1939 and 1940. At the time, too, it seemed that small Finland was doomed to a fast defeat in the face of a powerful, believed Red Army.
Finn's successes in this war were due to prominent military and politician – Marshal Carl Gustav von Mannerheim. He became the symbol of opposition and struggle. Finland's leader followed 1 rule at the time – the interests of the state and nation. He avoided extremes and falling into ideological amok. Of course, he was anti-bolshevik, but he took into account geopolitical and military realities. The USSR was close and Germany and the West far away, realized that Finland would gotta deal with Moscow in the long run.
He simply wanted this final agreement or peace to be the most favorable for Finland, hence the decision on hard resistance, which was not only to defend the territory of the state, but besides to show Moscow that it would not be so easy with us. The point was to convince Stalin that plans to take over Finland and make it so expensive, so it would be better if there was a compromise that was beneficial to both sides. That's what happened. Mannerheim broke the opposition of the commanders who believed the war could be won and must fight to the end. Finland lost 35,000 sq mi of its territory and 430,000 people lost their homes. However, independency was defended, and the heroic conflict of the tiny Finnish army in this war importantly influenced Moscow's attitude towards this country.
Mannerheim and Volodymyr Zelenski share everything. Mannerheim made his own decisions following the strength and interest account of the Finnish people, Zelenski ‘hangs’ on the support of the West and on British and American advisers who de facto wage this war. Mannerheim was willing to quit part of the territory in exchange for peace and sovereignty, Zelenski puts forward unrealistic demands for the reflection of Crimea and his extremist rhetoric shuts down the anticipation of negotiations with Moscow, extending the war for the price of immense losses and the death of civilians. Moral Right in 1940 was besides on Finland's side, but Marshal Mannerheim felt that this was not adequate reason to fight endlessly. Therefore, Finland has made its own decision about its fate, and Washington will decide for Ukraine.
Jan Engelgard
Pictured: August 1944 – Mannerheim takes the position of president of Finland
photo Wikipedia Commons
Think Poland, No. 45-46 (6-13.11.2022)
