Finland's Complex Relationship with Russia: Beyond World War II Hate

Have you ever wondered why Finland maintains a complex relationship with Russia, especially considering their actions during World War II?

Finnish Memories of War and Peace

My Finnish grandmother shared with me a vivid memory of her brother watching Helsinki burn from Russian bombs. Despite this, she never expressed any negativity toward Russians. Instead, she favored a different expression: when someone prepared extra food, she would say it was a sign of good fortune.

The Realities of History

Many tend to dwell on the negative, attributing a blanket hate towards Russia. However, the truth is anything but simple. Russia, in many ways, was the ally of Finland during World War II. Had Nazi Germany triumphed, Finland would have faced annexation and lost its independence.

War and Independence

Finland's independence was a fragile reality, and Russian forces played a crucial role in maintaining it. This isn't to say there were no conflicts; Finland fought in the Continuation War, which was a direct response to Nazi Germany's influence in the region. But the outcome of World War II solidified Finland's sovereignty.

Modern Perspectives and Stigma

Today, the memory of war has faded for many younger Finns. That being said, there is still a level of caution and mistrust that persists. This isn't solely due to events during World War II but also to the long history of border changes, invasions, and occupations that have shaped the Finnish mentality.

Peace and Resilience

Finns are known for their resilience and pragmatic approach. When the Russians come again, as history has shown they will, the mentality is to minimize the damage. This approach has kept Finland stable and secure over the centuries, even amidst numerous changes in border and occupation.

The Legacy of Past Events

Some do harbor grudges, but these are often the exception rather than the rule. Most Finns acknowledge that the bombings and conflicts during the war were simply a byproduct of the times. There is a lack of a lasting hate, and no point in passing this negative sentiment to future generations.

Anger towards Historical Surrender

Another aspect that drives Finnish anger is the Swedish surrender at the Battle of Suomenlinna in 1809, which marked the beginning of the first Russian invasion of Finland. This event has left a lasting impact on Finnish national identity and self-perception.

Conclusion

Finland's relationship with Russia is a complex narrative woven from historical events, cultural resilience, and a pragmatic outlook. While there might be some lingering mistrust or anger from past events, the overarching narrative is one of survival and resilience. For many Finns, the ability to maintain independence and safety is paramount, and Russia's role in this has often been a double-edged sword.

Understanding this historical context helps in appreciating Finland's nuanced stance towards Russia and the region as a whole.