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The Swedish army of 25,000 soldiers led by
Charles XII invaded Ukraine. Ukrainian Hetman Mazepa supported the Russian
Tsar but soon went over to the Swedish side. The Swedish army posed a
serious threat to the south of Russia, so Peter I decided to drive the
Swedes from their conquered territories. His army of 40,000 soldiers was
superior in numbers, but this advantage was partially compensated for by
the Swedish forces' excellent training. The Swedes were decidedly the best
in western Europe concerning discipline, training, valour and experience.
The decisive battle took place near Poltava, where Swedish forces attacked
the Russians but failed to overcome their resistance. The Russian cavalry
began to outflank the Swedes from both sides, and soon the entire army
initiated a counterattack. The Russian forces achieved a valiant victory
that greatly influenced the course of the whole war, though military
operations continued until 1721.
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