The Russians' first major offensive in Karelia to occupy the Viipuri Gateway had ended in their clear defeat. In the odd patchwork of the December fighting in Karelia, both the Russians and the Finns experimented with weaponry. The Finns' troubles began immediately as heavy Soviet air bombardments blasted them. Communications for the Finns were miserable or nonexistent. The Finns finally resorted to the use of runners and messengers for communications. The Russians, even though they had stopped the Finnish offensive, were not jubilant over their success. The Russians seemed to have no interest in camouflage. In darkness the Finns could see the large camp fires; during the day tracks in the snow revealed the number, directions, and locations of the main Russian troops further back. The main theme was based on the right of Finland to defend herself against Russia, and a comparison between Finnish democracy and the Russian system.