Established the post-Civil War border between Finland and Soviet Russia and was registered in the League of Nations Treaty Series.
Key Facts
- Signing date
- 14 October 1920
- Signing venue
- Estonian Students' Society building, Tartu
- Ratification exchange
- 31 December 1920, Moscow
- League of Nations registration
- 5 March 1921
- Negotiation duration
- Nearly five months
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Following the Finnish Civil War and Finnish volunteer expeditions into Russian East Karelia, which led to annexation of several Russian districts, the border between Finland and Soviet Russia remained unresolved. Negotiations between the two states commenced and continued for nearly five months to settle outstanding territorial questions.
On 14 October 1920, Finland and Soviet Russia signed the Treaty of Tartu at the building of the Estonian Students' Society in Tartu, Estonia. The treaty formally defined and confirmed the border between the two countries. Ratifications were subsequently exchanged in Moscow on 31 December 1920.
The treaty established a recognized international boundary between Finland and Soviet Russia, providing legal confirmation of border arrangements following the post-war Finnish expeditions in East Karelia. Its registration in the League of Nations Treaty Series on 5 March 1921 gave it standing in the emerging framework of international law.
Political Outcome
Border between Finland and Soviet Russia confirmed; peace established following Finnish Civil War and East Karelian expeditions.
Unresolved border between Finland and Soviet Russia following civil war and Finnish volunteer expeditions into East Karelia
Internationally registered border settlement between Finland and Soviet Russia under League of Nations oversight