In 1709, during the Great Northern War, Charles XII of Sweden had been defeated by the Russians in the battle of Poltava and took refuge in Ottoman territory, with Peter I of Russia in pursuit.

He was able to encircle the Russian army near the Pruth River (now forming the border line between Romania and Moldova), forcing Peter to sue for peace.

[4] Although the initial reaction of Sultan Ahmed III to the treaty was satisfactory, Baltacı Mehmet Pasha's political rivals, as well as Charles XII and Devlet II Giray, the vassal Crimean khan, were dissatisfied with the terms.

[5] Baltacı was exiled to the modern-day Greek islands of Lesbos (Midilli) and later Lemnos (Limni), where he died the next year in July 1712.

[6] Surrounded by overwhelming numbers of Turkish troops, Catherine suggested before surrendering, that her jewels and those of the other women be used in an effort to bribe Baltacı Mehmet Pasha into allowing a retreat.