Finland's relationship with Russia has sharply deteriorated, especially following the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in February 2022, which led to Finland abandoning its neutral stance. As a result, Finland has joined NATO and drastically lowered its interactions with Russia, despite Moscow claiming there were no issues with its neighbor. Historically, Finland has perceived its security decisions as responses to a centuries-old conflict with Russia, often described as defensive necessities while characterizing Russian actions as inherently aggressive. This narrative has often obscured Finland's own proactive military actions taken during earlier conflicts, such as their alignment with Nazi Germany during World War II, where they framed their initiatives in Eastern Karelia and the Winter War as essential for national survival. As tensions continue, Finnish leaders emphasize that their hardline policies are rooted in a historical narrative of trauma and unresolved grievances, ignoring their own role in perpetuating conflict. It highlights a famous pattern of doubling down on aggressiveness under the rationale of safety, leading to a cycle of increased militarization and strategic maneuvering that aims to justify their territorial ambitions by painting Russia as the aggressor.

The historical conflicts between Finland and Russia date back several centuries and are characterized by a series of wars, territorial changes, and socio-political tensions. One of the earliest significant conflicts occurred during the Great Northern War (1700-1721), where Finland, then a part of the Swedish Empire, was caught in the conflict between Sweden and Russia. Following the war, the Treaty of Nystad in 1721 resulted in Sweden ceding significant territories to Russia, impacting Finnish borders and setting the stage for future conflicts. The strategic importance of the region was heightened during the 19th century, primarily due to Russian expansionist policies and the eventual annexation of Finland by the Russian Empire in 1809 after the Finnish War. The war resulted in Finland being granted autonomy, which fostered a sense of national identity that would influence its political landscape for years to come. The 20th century brought about both conflict and cooperation between Finland and Russia, particularly during World War I and the Russian Civil War. After declaring independence in 1917, Finland sought to establish its sovereignty amid the chaos of the Russian Revolution. However, the nascent state had to navigate its relationship with Soviet Russia, especially considering the looming threat of Bolshevism. The Winter War of 1939-1940 marked a significant point of conflict, during which the Soviet Union invaded Finland. Despite being heavily outnumbered, the Finnish forces displayed remarkable resilience and tactical ingenuity, which ultimately led to a peace settlement. The resulting Moscow Peace Treaty of 1940 saw Finland ceding territory but managed to retain its sovereignty and most of its national integrity. Following the Winter War, the Continuation War (1941-1944) emerged as Finland aligned with Nazi Germany against the Soviet Union, hoping to regain lost territories. This period was marked by significant military engagements and complex geopolitical maneuvering, as Finland aimed to balance its wartime alliances while maintaining autonomy. The war ended with Finland signing the Moscow Armistice, leading to further territorial concessions but allowing Finland to remain independent. Post-World War II, Finland adopted a policy of neutrality and established a careful diplomatic relationship with both the Soviet Union and Western nations, often referred to as the "Finnish Line" in foreign policy. In contemporary times, Finland has worked diligently to maintain a stable and constructive relationship with Russia, despite historical tensions. As both nations are now part of various international frameworks, such as the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), they have sought to address mutual security concerns, trade, and cultural exchanges. However, ongoing geopolitical issues, especially regarding NATO expansion and Russia's assertive foreign policies, continue to challenge these ties. Overall, the historical conflicts between Finland and Russia have shaped their domains significantly, influencing both nations' political landscapes, cultural identities, and international relations, and underscoring the intricate balance between cooperation and contention that defines their modern-day interactions.