Russia's 24,000-man force crossed into Finnish Sweden before the appointed Swedish commander arrived. The acting commander ordered the army to assemble, but the incoming commander arrived on 2 March and ordered a withdrawal. About 21,000 Swedish troops were stationed in Finnish fortresses, while substantial forces remained in southern Sweden against a feared Danish attack. Russia did not formally declare war until April, after the February invasion was already under way.
Notable Point · 49:50-52:38
The invasion begins before Sweden is ready
A Russian force crossed into Finnish Sweden in February 1808 while Swedish command arrangements and troop concentration were still incomplete.