For the first time in over a century, Russia lost control of Warsaw, marking a significant victory for the Central Powers during World War I. This shift in power dynamics illustrated the declining influence of Russia in the region and bolstered the ambitions of Germany and its allies.

With Poland under Central Powers' control, Germany began to focus on expanding its reach into Finland, a region that had been part of the Russian Empire since the early 19th century. This strategic move aimed to capitalize on the weakening hold of Russia in Eastern Europe and asserted Germany's ambitions beyond the immediate conflict.