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The Battle of Kunersdorf (a settlement in
the province of Brandenburg) took place at a critical moment for Prussia
during the Russian advance towards Berlin. The Russians stood before the
gates of Frankfurt on the right bank of the Oder River. Frederick
approached from the south and passed by them, then crossed the river and
initiated a surrounding assault from the south-east. At first his attack
seemed quite effective. However, the Russian front was strongly protected
by pools and streams, so that Frederick failed to make full use of his
13,000 cavalrymen. The Russian army under the command of P. S. Saltykov
fought back all attacks by the Prussian infantry and Seidlitz's cavalry
and launched a counterattack. Soon the Prussian detachments were
overwhelmed. The cavalry led by P. A. Rumiantsev proved especially
valuable. The outcome of that battle was a disaster for Prussia. Having
barely escaped captivity, Frederick was on the point of suicide. In 1760
the Russians took Berlin.
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