Part 7/9:
Charles established a camp in Bender, becoming a hub for Swedish, Polish, and Cossack refugees. His leaders urged him to return to Sweden, but he remained steadfast, continuing to strategize for a comeback.
Diplomatic endeavors to form an alliance with the Ottomans met with mixed success. Despite initial promises of military support against Russia, events shifted dramatically in favor of Peter the Great. A peace treaty signed between the Ottomans and Russia undermined Charles’ position.
In 1711, after renewed diplomatic tensions and skirmishes with the Ottomans, Charles found himself again at odds with his supposed allies. The situation escalated to the point where he was forcefully ejected from Ottoman territory.