The Continuation War, lasting from 1941 to 1944, was a conflict between Finland and the Soviet Union, following the Winter War of 1939-1940. After the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union, Finland aligned with Germany seeking to recapture territories lost in the earlier conflict. The Soviets aimed to reclaim these territories through a large-scale military offensive known as the Vyborg–Petrozavodsk Offensive, launched in June 1944, leading to intense combat in Karelia. On June 20, 1944, amidst mounting military pressure from the Soviets, Finland received an ultimatum from the Soviet leadership insisting on their unconditional surrender. This demand highlighted the precarious position of Finland, which sought to preserve its independence while waging war against a formidable neighbor.

The Finnish government, led by Marshal Carl Gustav Emil Mannerheim and Prime Minister Edwin Linkomies, faced critical decisions. Refusing to surrender, Finland opted to maintain engagement in combat rather than capitulate to Soviet demands. The Finnish military executed defensive actions and counter-offensives to withstand and push back against Soviet advances, driven by nationalistic sentiments and the desire to avoid military subjugation. The refusal to surrender served as a rallying point for Finnish troops and civilians alike, reinforcing resolve against the Soviet threat.

This contentious refusal to surrender was significant as it reflected Finland's struggle for autonomy and sovereignty during a tumultuous period in World War II. As the Soviet forces launched offensives across Finnish territory, the refusal to negotiate under duress defined the character of Finnish resistance and shaped the broader conflict dynamics as the war progressed toward final stages leading to Finland's eventual armistice later that year.