Alegretty Imperial envoy to Russia Country: Poland

1. Imperial Envoy to Russia: Alegetti
2. Triumphant Return and Audience
3. Exploiting Russian Suspicions
4. Intrigues and War with Sweden
5. Negotiations and the Treaty of Vilnius
6. Aftermath of the Treaty

Imperial Envoy to Russia: Alegetti

Alegetti, an imperial envoy to Russia from the Slavic city-state of Ragusa, embarked on a mission to drive a wedge between Russia and Sweden in support of Poland. As a skilled diplomat, he believed in the success of his endeavor.

Triumphant Return and Audience

In late 1655, Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich triumphantly returned to Moscow after a victorious campaign against Poland. Amidst the festive atmosphere, Patriarch Nikon greeted the monarch with two other patriarchs and a vast clergy. The tsar reached the Lobnoye Mesto, where he inquired about the well-being of his people. The jubilant crowd hailed him with cries of "Mnogaya Leta!"

Exploiting Russian Suspicions

During the celebratory period, Ambassador Alegetti seized the opportunity to influence Russian officials. He persuaded them that Swedish King Karl-Gustav X harbored hostile intentions towards Russia, particularly regarding Lithuania. He hinted at secret alliances with Bohdan Khmelnytsky, the Cossack hetman, against Moscow.

Intrigues and War with Sweden

Alegetti's arguments resonated with Russian suspicions of Swedish actions. Ambassador Gustav Bielke, stationed in Moscow since 1655, struggled to dispel the growing tensions. On May 17, 1656, Bielke was accused of violating the peace treaty and was ordered to leave his embassy. War with Sweden ensued, and Alegetti played a key role in convincing the Russians to break diplomatic ties.

Negotiations and the Treaty of Vilnius

As the war progressed, negotiations with Poland began in Vilnius, with Alegetti acting as a mediator. The Jesuits in Poland cunningly promised to elect Alexei Mikhailovich as their king upon the death of Jan Kazimierz. In exchange, the Russians agreed to return conquered Polish territories.

Aftermath of the Treaty

The Treaty of Vilnius left Russia with nothing and strained its relationship with Left-Bank Ukraine. The death of Khmelnytsky and the new hetman Ivan Vyhovsky's alliance with Poland further widened the rift between Ukraine and Moscow.