Commander Kovanko was the last Russian commander of the Fortress of Viapori (Suomenlinna).

On the 13th of April in 1918, Colonel Nikolai Kovanko received word that the Finnish Government had decided to takeover the Fortress of Viapori (now Suomenlinna) and all its constructions. Being before superior force, Kovanko had no choice but to lay down his arms. He was sent to jail and never returned to Viapori. Kovanko died because of illness on the 21st of October in 1918.

Source:
C.J.Gardberg, Viapori Suomenlinna, 1998
Harry Halén: Vaiporin komendantit ja sotilaskuvernöörit
1808-1918, Unholan aitta, 2003