The day of the victory of the Russian army under the command of Peter the first over the Swedes in the battle of Poltava

Description

The Russian army over Sweden at Poltava was a decisive episode in the great northern war, which lasted from 1700 to 1721 a year. The main battle for the return of the native Russian lands and access to the Baltic Sea, which agreed the army of Peter the great and Charles XI, was held on 27 June (8 July) 1709 year.

After the reconquest of Russian Emperor from the Swedish King of Livonia and the founding of the city-fortress of St. Petersburg, Karl decided to attack the center of Russia and capture Moscow. Bad climatic conditions have prevented Carl in the fast implementation of the plan, and he was forced to lead his army to Moscow through the Ukraine. When the Swedes came to Poltava, their King was wounded, and the army, constantly suffering from the attacks of the Cossacks and Kalmyk, lost a third of its members. However, this did not prevent 30 April 1709 Scandinavians year begin the siege of the city.

Poltava garrison, consisting of 4 000 2 500 soldiers and militia successfully repulsed several assaults, awaiting the approach of the main forces of the Russian army led by Peter. Situated on the left bank of the river Vorskla, opposite from Poltava, Peter decided to give battle to the Swedes on June 16. On the same day, the vanguard of Russian troops cross the Vorskla Poltava to the North, allowing the crossing for an entire army. And on June 27 the Russians inflicted a crushing blow on the shelves of the famous Swedish army.

As a result of the battle of Poltava the Swedes suffered irreplaceable losses. More than 9 000 people were killed and 19 000, including all General, were taken prisoner. Charles XII's Army stopped its existence, and he and Ukrainian traitor Mazepa fled into the territory of the Ottoman Empire.

The strong victory of the Russian people break the course of great northern war in favor of Russia and became the end of the domination of Sweden as a major military power in Europe.