On November 26, 1939, the Soviet Army staged the Shelling of Mainila, a village situated close to the Finnish border. The Soviets bombarded the village, leading to claims that Finnish forces had attacked. This claim was fabricated to create a pretext for war against Finland. The shelling resulted in casualties among Soviet civilians, further amplifying the narrative that justified aggression towards Finland. Soviet propaganda emphasized the need for defensive measures against this alleged threat, garnering domestic support for the military operation that followed.

The incident sparked immediate outrage and concerns in the international community regarding Soviet intentions. Finnish officials reported that there was no prior provocation from Finland, challenging the Soviet narrative. The Soviet Union's motives were questioned by various nations, particularly as the world was grappling with the aftermath of World War I and the rise of totalitarian regimes. In the wake of this event, Finland found itself preparing for a larger conflict, knowing that Soviet claims were unfounded yet could possibly lead to aggression.

Just four days after the Shelling of Mainila, the Soviet Union launched a full-scale invasion of Finland, marking the beginning of the Winter War. This conflict was characterized by fierce fighting despite Finland being significantly outnumbered and equipped. The use of Mainila as a pretext exemplified the lengths to which the Soviet government would go in order to secure territorial ambitions in the region. The propaganda machine effectively united citizens in defense of the motherland and set the stage for the brutal conflict that followed.