Norway's Neutrality in Winter War between Soviet Union and Finland as Reflected in “Arbeiderbladet”

Yu. G. Kokorina; M. M. Vagabov

doi:10.24224/2227-1295-2026-15-2-401-420

Norway's Neutrality in Winter War between Soviet Union and Finland as Reflected in “Arbeiderbladet”

Yu. G. Kokorina, M. M. Vagabov

https://doi.org/10.24224/2227-1295-2026-15-2-401-420

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Abstract

This study examines how events of the Soviet-Finnish conflict were portrayed by Norwegian media with a focus on evaluating Norway’s claims to neutrality during the Winter War (November 30, 1939—March 12, 1940). The analysis is based on seventy-four articles from “Arbeiderbladet,” the official organ of the Norwegian Labour Party, published throughout 1940. It demonstrates that Norwegian press coverage aimed at constructing a negative image of the Soviet side while presenting Finland positively. The newspaper consistently accused the Soviets of undermining negotiations regarding the Åland Islands, destroying civilian infrastructure and cultural heritage, and causing casualties among non-combatants. In contrast, Finns are depicted as victims. Additionally, it was found that Norway organized fundraising campaigns for Finland, supplied skilled labor, formed volunteer military units, and established medical facilities for treating Finnish soldiers. These actions contradict Norway's declared policy of neutrality. Ultimately, this research concludes that despite government statements affirming neutrality, the ruling party's newspaper served as an instrument for policies inconsistent with true neutrality.

Keywords

history of Norway, history of Russia, Norwegian press, Soviet-Finnish War, World War II

About the Authors

Yu. G. Kokorina

Moscow Polytechnic University
Russian Federation

Yulia G. Kokorina, Doctor of Philology, PhD in History, Professor, Department of Humanities

Moscow

M. M. Vagabov

Moscow Polytechnic University
Russian Federation

Makhach M. Vagabov, Doctor of History, Professor, Department of Humanities

Moscow

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Review

For citations:

Kokorina Yu.G., Vagabov M.M. Norway's Neutrality in Winter War between Soviet Union and Finland as Reflected in “Arbeiderbladet”. Nauchnyi dialog. 2026;15(2):401-420. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.24224/2227-1295-2026-15-2-401-420

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