Why did the Russian empress Elizabeth propose a separate Finnish state in the 1740s?

During the Russo-Swedish War of 1741–1743, the Russian empress Elizabeth declared her intention to establish Finland as a separate state under Russian suzerainty. This proposal was primarily a strategic maneuver intended to undermine Swedish control over the region during the conflict.12

By suggesting the creation of an independent Finnish state, Elizabeth aimed to detach Finland from the Swedish monarchy, thereby weakening Sweden's position and influence in the Baltic. However, this plan was never fully realized; Elizabeth ultimately failed to follow through on the idea. Following the conclusion of the war, the Treaty of Åbo in 1743 resulted in Sweden ceding only a portion of southeastern Finland to Russia rather than the entire territory becoming a separate state. Despite the proposal's failure, the concept of a separate Finnish state gained some favor among certain Finnish circles, influencing later political movements that sought to detach Finland from Swedish rule.12