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In the frigid winter of 1984, Finland's serene northern landscape was jolted by an unexpected intrusion—a Soviet surface-to-air missile careening off course and crashing n ear Lake Inari. This surreal event not only shattered the tranquility of the Finnish wilderness but also reignited fears of Cold War tensions escalating beyond control. We will republish our past post, on the 40th anniversary of this event. Let's delve into the interesting details and the lasting impact they left on Finland and its relations with Russia.  February 2, 1985 when the missile was brought to the surface.  A SOVIET INTRUDER IN LAPLAND   In the midst of global nuclear tensions and political brinkmanship, the Soviet Union regularly conducted military tests to assert its dominance. However, on December 28, 1984, a routine test launch from the Barents Sea took a disastrous turn. The Soviet surface-to-air missile, suspected to be either an SS-N-3 or SS-N-12 but unconfirmed by the Soviets, veered w...

This week, we are pleased to present a feature post by TheyTalkSuomi on the  Terijoki Puppet Regime . TheyTalkSuomi is a Finnish-language YouTube channel that delves into Finnish folklore, history, and a variety of other captivating topics related to Finland. You can explore and subscribe to the channel  here . Don't miss out on their engaging content! Before the Winter War began, the Russians demanded border changes from Finland, seeking to revert to the boundaries established in the Peace of Tartu two decades earlier, which were then agreed upon for the Soviet Union. Stalin cited the security of Leningrad, now St. Petersburg, situated close to the border, as a pretext. However, the true motive was to fulfill the secret additional protocol of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact with Germany, which designated Finland, the Baltic states, and eastern Poland within their sphere of influence. When the Baltic states acquiesced to Moscow's demands, they were annexed. Finland, on the other h...

I recently started read "Putin's World War: Russia's Covert Operations to Destroy the West"  by Finnish journalist Jessikka Aro. The book provides an in-depth investigative approach of the 2010 Polish  presidential plane crash in Smolensk . This book reminded me of another intriguing air disaster connected to the Russians: the shootdown of the Kaleva passenger and freight plane en route from Tallinn to Helsinki. This tragic incident occurred amidst rising tensions between Finland, Estonia, and the Soviet Union.  In this blog post, we will examine the downing of the Kaleva plane, the surrounding incidents, and the aftermath of this tragic event. The Aero O/Y Airplane was a Junkers Ju-52 plane  BACKGROUND INTO THE EVENTS   The late 1930s and early 1940s were marked by significant political unrest in Europe. With the Soviet Union expanding its influence in the Baltic region, both Finland and Estonia found themselves under increasing pressure. The Kaleva plane, oper...

Stand at the edge of Suursaari, a pivotal point in the Baltic Sea, where the echoes of centuries-long conflicts reverberate through its soil. Situated just 40 kilometers from Kotka, 110 kilometers from Helsinki, and 140 kilometers from Tallinn, this island, also known as Gogland, currently lies under Russian control. In this blog post, we delve into the turbulent history of Suursaari, a coveted jewel in the Baltic. We unravel the reasons behind its enduring allure and examine its geostrategic significance, pondering the potential future roles of this island amidst the vast expanse of what is now a NATO-dominated region. Suursaari is filled with high ridges and lakes, picture credit: SA Kuva  EARLY HISTORY   Suursaari, nestled in the Baltic Sea, boasts a history that stretches back to antiquity, bearing witness to the footsteps of ancient settlers as far back as the Stone Age. The island's strategic position made it an attractive prospect for early inhabitants seeking both natu...

During the Continuation War, Finland experienced harrowing war crimes at the hands of the Soviet Union's army. Among these tragic events were the relentless attacks carried out by Soviet partisans within Finland between 1941 and 1944. These ruthless assaults targeted vulnerable locations such as remote border villages and ambushed vehicles, sparing neither civilians nor military personnel. As an irregular military force, the partisans conducted long-range penetration raids and reconnaissance missions deep inside Finnish territory. The toll of their violence was staggering, with approximately 170 Finnish civilians killed and 50 wounded in these raids. In this blog post, we delve into the details of these events and share the stories of survivors who witnessed the devastation wrought by the Soviet partisans. RUSSIAN PARTISAN RAIDS AND ACTIVITIES Soviet partisan operations played a pivotal role in the Soviet Union's strategy during Finland's Continuation War. Operating predomi...

In the frigid winter of 1984, Finland's serene northern landscape was jolted by an unexpected intrusion—a Soviet surface-to-air missile careening off course and crashing near Lake Inari. This surreal event not only shattered the tranquility of the Finnish wilderness but also reignited fears of Cold War tensions escalating beyond control.  Let's delve into the harrowing events of that December day and the lasting impact they left on Finland and its relations with its unpredictable eastern neighbor. February 2, 1985 when the missile was brought to the surface.  A SOVIET INTRUDER IN LAPLAND   In the midst of global nuclear tensions and political brinkmanship, the Soviet Union regularly conducted military tests to assert its dominance. However, on December 28, 1984, a routine test launch from the Barents Sea took a disastrous turn. The Soviet surface-to-air missile, suspected to be either an SS-N-3 or SS-N-12 but unconfirmed by the Soviets, veered wildly off its intended path...

Gennady Timchenko is a name that resonates in the world of business and politics, particularly in Russia. He is an enigmatic billionaire who has made a mark with his astute business acumen and, more significantly, his close ties to the Russian government and President Vladimir Putin.  In this blog post, we will delve into the life of Gennady Timchenko, exploring his early years, the rise of his energy trading company Gunvor Group, his intricate relationship with Russian politics, and his post-Gunvor ventures.  Gennady Timchenko EARLY LIFE AND CAREER Gennady Timchenko was born on November 9th, 1952, in Leninakan, Armenian SSR, which is now known as Gyumri, Armenia. Raised in a time when the Soviet Union was still intact, his early life was shaped by the realities of that era. He pursued an education and began his career, eventually embarking on a path that would lead him to becoming a prominent figure in the Russian business landscape. His father was in the Soviet Army and serv...