Pavel Polubotok Colonel and acting hetman of Little Russia Date of Birth: 01.01.1660

1. Colonel and Acting Hetman of Little Russia: Pavlo Polubotok
2. The Passing of the Mace
3. Between a Rock and a Hard Place
4. Conflict with the Collegium
5. Dismissed to Exile
6. Arrest and Imprisonment
7. Tragic End

Colonel and Acting Hetman of Little Russia: Pavlo Polubotok

Polubotok (Pavlo Leontievich) was a prominent colonel and acting hetman of Little Russia, a region that is now part of Ukraine. He played a pivotal role in the aftermath of Mazepa's betrayal, emerging as one of the two main candidates for the hetman's mace.

The Passing of the Mace

However, Peter the Great opted to appoint the weaker Ivan Skoropadsky as hetman instead. The tsar remarked of Polubotok: "He is too cunning and could rival Mazepa." Despite this setback, Polubotok's position was strengthened by royal decrees confirming his control over more than 2,000 households. He became one of the wealthiest landowners in Little Russia, leading a lavish lifestyle and maintaining a "court" similar to that of a hetman.

Between a Rock and a Hard Place

Upon Skoropadsky's death, Polubotok, together with the general starshyna (senior officers), was entrusted with overseeing Little Russian affairs until a new hetman could be elected. Simultaneously, the "Little Russian Collegium" was established, aiming to reduce local autonomy and protect the common people from the authority of the starshyna.

Conflict with the Collegium

Alexis Velyaminov, the head of the collegium, openly threatened Polubotok and his fellow officers, stating that he could easily overpower them. Polubotok resolved to fight back through legal means, challenging Velyaminov's innovations. Initially, success seemed to favor Polubotok and the Little Russian autonomists. The Senate, to whom they appealed against Velyaminov, overturned many of his measures. Alexander Menshikov, motivated by personal gain, supported Polubotok.

Dismissed to Exile

However, Velyaminov complained to the tsar about Polubotok's disobedience. In response, Peter the Great issued decrees in 1723 that further expanded the authority of the Little Russian Collegium, essentially abolishing the former powers of the hetman. Appointments to the rank of colonel were restricted to non-Little Russians. Polubotok and his two main aides (Savich and Chernysh) were summoned to St. Petersburg for questioning.

Arrest and Imprisonment

Meanwhile, Polubotok continued to petition the tsar for the election of a new hetman and the dissolution of the collegium. This greatly angered Peter the Great, who sent Alexander Rumyantsev to Little Russia to investigate the petitions якобы submitted by Polubotok in the name of the people. Polubotok and his companions were arrested and imprisoned in the Peter and Paul Fortress. Polubotok's property was confiscated.

Tragic End

Polubotok died in prison in December 1724. His fate has cast him as a martyr for the cause of Little Russian autonomy. The anonymous author of the "History of the Rus" attributed to him a bold speech criticizing Peter the Great, a fabrication that has become emblematic of Polubotok's legacy.