John II Casimir Biography

Russian and Cossack operations threaten Commonwealth rule in Ukraine

The Cossack submission to Moscow helps provoke war with Russia

The Cossack alignment with Moscow draws the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth into war

Russian forces begin the siege of Smolensk

Faces Russian advances after a Polish-Lithuanian force is defeated near Borisov

Loses effective control as Russian and Cossack forces secure Kiev

Faces the Russian offensive into Lithuania

Loses Smolensk to Tsar Alexis after a siege

Uses Crimean Tatar allies during operations against Cossack forces

Supports operations against Russian and Cossack influence in Ukraine

Faces Tsar Alexis's advance toward the River Niemen

Faces Swedish attempts to dominate the Commonwealth politically

Faces Swedish forces attacking from Livonia and Pomerania

Faces the Swedish invasion of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth

Loses Warsaw to Charles X Gustav during the Swedish Deluge

Leaves the Commonwealth as Swedish forces overrun much of Poland

Lithuanian magnates break with Poland and accept Swedish protection

The monastery fortress at Jasna Gora resists the Swedish siege

Calls for resistance as Swedish occupation spreads across the Commonwealth