To the 70th anniversary of the Soviet Finnish (winter) War of 1939-1940. Formation and military actions of the Finnish people's army in the Soviet-Finnish war 1939-1940

The paper focuses on the history of the formation and military operations of the Finnish People's Army during the Soviet Finnish war of 1939-1940. This body of troops, formed with the purpose to assist the National Government of Finland, headed by Otto Kuusinen, pursued not so much military goals as political ones. When the Finnish revolution suffered a crucial defeat, the Finnish People's Army was disbanded, and on its base, the 71st infantry division was formed. The Karelians were among the members of this division.