Editing Risto Ryti (section)

=== Attempts at peace negotiations ===
[[File:Ryti ja Rangell.jpg|thumb|Ryti and [[Jukka Rangell]] in 1940s]]
Ryti wanted the government of [[Jukka Rangell]] to continue in office. However, the time had arrived for a "peace government", and it was formed after long negotiations by the chairman of the [[National Coalition Party]], Professor [[Edwin Linkomies]]. He started preparations aimed at achieving peace with the Soviet Union in spring 1943.{{sfnp|Turtola|2000|page=411}} The Patriotic People's Movement was excluded from the government. The Soviet Union's major [[Vyborg–Petrozavodsk Offensive|counter-offensive]] began on 9 June 1944, in a situation when Finland's relations with Germany were strained due to Finland's earlier attempts to secure a [[separate peace]]. There were speculations that a change of both government and president would ensue, but Marshal Mannerheim was unwilling to take the job of post-war prime minister even temporarily. Soon, [[Viipuri]], the second biggest city of Finland, fell to the [[Red Army]] on 20 June.{{sfnp|Turtola|2000|page=412}}

The Finnish government tried to create a link for negotiations via [[Stockholm]]. The Soviet government replied that it was ready to negotiate, but only after an assurance that Finland would [[Unconditional surrender|surrender unconditionally]]. The demand divided the Finnish government as Ryti and Tanner were in favour of replying, but Mannerheim and Linkomies opposed it. The situation was tense, as Finland was in dire need of food as well as weapons and ammunition.{{sfnp|Turtola|2000|page=412}}