Peter III of Russia made Saltykov a major general and in 1763 he was given command of the troops stationed in Poland, where he took part in the Russo-Turkish War (1768–1774).

In 1769 he aided Prince Alexander Golitsyn in the siege and occupation of the city of Chotyn, which Russian troops entered on 10 September that year.

On Paul's accession to the throne, Saltykov was made field marshal general on 8 November 1796 and then president of the Military Council of State.

At the start of the Napoleonic Wars, Saltykov was instructed to look after military reports and to be head of state while Alexander was away leading the Russian army in 1813 and 1814.

Prince Saltykov and his family occupied a large Neoclassical townhouse at the crossing of the Millionnaya Street and the Palace Embankment in St Petersburg.