Under the plan of the Russian command, in the campaign of 1656 the main blow was inflicted on Riga, where a large army led by Tsar Alexis advanced from Polotsk .

Auxiliary blows were applied from Pskov to Dorpat (Russian: Yuryev) and from Novgorod to Noteburg (Oreshek) and Nyenschanz.

The garrison of the fortress, commanded by Lars Fleming, consisted of an infantry regiment (448 soldiers in 5 companies), 45 artillerymen and about 100 regular cavalrymen.

This was affected by heavy losses from shelling and disease (there were only 140 soldiers left) and the lack of assistance and news from the outside.

The city, despite the attempt of the Swedes to retake it, remained in the hands of the Russian troops until the end of the war.