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a-a-ra-s-s-s-s-a-s-s-a-s-a-s- Welcome to the Russian rulers podcast, episode 36, the aftermath of Poltava, and the disaster at truth.

The Battle of Poltava in one sweeping motion ended the Swedish invasion of Russia, but it did much more than that.

All in Europe were expecting Russia to be defeated, Peter dethroned,

and Russia carved up by the Swedes, Poles, Turks, Tatars, Cossacks, and even the Chinese.

Poltava changed that scenario completely.

From the day after the victory at Poltava countries throughout Europe had to mind what Russia was doing when planning their nation's future, the balance of power had moved east in a big way.

Last week I also said that this episode would deal with Peter the Great's disappointment with his

son Alexis.

I jumped the gun a little bit and we'll deal with that painful issue next episode.

Charles for his part had to stay out of Russian hands and headed out of Poltava with a small force of 900 Swedes and 2,000 Cossacks and headed south toward

the Bug River to seek sanctuary with the Ottomans.

The rest of the Swedish army, numbering 14,000 with 5,000 Cossacks by their side, wearily

retreated separately.

By the end of June, they were met by 6,000 of Menchikov's dragoons and 2,000 loyal to the Tsar Cossacks.

Despite having numerical superiority, the Swedes were beaten men, so on 1st General Lohunhopped surrendered.

The Cossacks who remained with the Swedes were summarily killed as their acts were considered

treason.

Now the race was on to capture Charles and the Cossack-Hetman Ivan Mesba.

Six thousand Russians, led by Volkonski, raced toward the Bug River.

They arrived in time to capture 300 Swedes,

but Charles and Mesba had already crossed into Turkish territory.

...