The Russo-Polish War officially began in early February 1831, when a 115,000-strong Russian army led by Field Marshal Hans Karl von Diebitsch crossed Polish borders.

The first major battle took place on 14 February 1831 near the village of Stoczek near Łuków, where Polish cavalry under the command of Brigadier Józef Dwernicki defeated the Russian division of Teodor Geismar.

Polish forces under the command of Jan Krukowiecki, Antoni Giełgud and Kazimierz Małachowski were in fortified positions to protect the entrance to the capital city.

Ironically, Shakhovskiy received similar orders from Field Marshal von Diebitsch: if attacked by Polish forces, he was to withdraw immediately.

Shakhovskiy withdrew to the town of Marki directly to the east, and was pursued by Krukowiecki, whose flanking maneuver threw the Russian forces into disorder.

Field Marshal von Diebitsch initially planned a full frontal assault on Warsaw to take place on 26 February.