Chapter 19 Negotiations Are Determined by Strength

Napoleon's harassment of the Russian border was not only a military challenge, but also a serious political threat to Russia.

From the reforms started by Peter I to the annexation of the Crimean Khanate by Catherine. The Russians have experienced countless challenges, including the victory and defeat of the Northern War, the game of dividing Poland, and the iron-blooded Russo-Turkish War. It was the hardships that made the European countries recognize the strength of the Russian Empire.

But this battle was beyond the expectations of Catherine II. She never thought that she would be defeated by the Ottomans.

But the current situation does not allow her to hesitate. Gustav has taken over the entire Russian Finland and is approaching St. Petersburg. She must mobilize troops to defend this damn villain!

Catherine rubbed her eyebrows tiredly. She is 58 years old. Time has left too many traces on this woman.

The snow on the way to St. Petersburg for the first time, the persistence of learning Russian and etiquette under the moonlight, the indifference of Peter III, and the confusion when everyone pushed her to the throne. She survived all of them, and there will be no surprises this time.

The empress slowly raised her head, and once again regained her former heroic appearance. She waved her hand gracefully, and Foreign Minister Plekhanov came upon the call.

"Notify the Ottoman government and send Kutuzov to discuss the signing of the armistice agreement, and give him full authority."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

In Odessa, outside the Ottoman army camp, Kutuzov was waiting for the Sultan's summons.

He was not in a good mental state at this time. For him, Rumyantsev was not only a commander, but also a mentor. The departure of this old general dealt him a heavy blow.

But he had no time to be depressed. The empress's mission had to be completed, and Gustav was still committing crimes in the north.

"Russian, come in, His Majesty wants to see you." An Ottoman soldier shouted in a rude tone, muttering: "These Russians, why didn't General Napoleon get rid of them all?"

Take a deep breath, Kutuzov restrained the urge to take action and walked into the tent.

It's not that Selim deliberately disgusted Kutuzov, but mainly because of the position of the Ottoman Empire, it is destined to have no peace with Tsarist Russia.

Instead of giving them face, it is better to dampen the other party's spirit first, which can be regarded as a little psychological warfare in the negotiation.

"Hello, Kutuzov, it's our first meeting. Let me introduce myself. My name is Selim, Selim-Osmanoglu, the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire."

Selim smiled gently, examining Kutuzov in front of him, wondering what would happen if he cut him with a knife here?

Kutuzov was surprised. This Sultan did not look like a strong person, but it was such a Sultan who led the Ottoman Empire to win the war, although Kutuzov was unwilling to admit it.

"Your Majesty, the purpose of my trip is to reach an agreement with your country.

First, we hope that the Ottoman army can withdraw from Russian territory in time, give up its claim to Georgia, and release our prisoners for free.

Second, the two countries maintain their original borders and do not demand compensation from each other.

Third, the Ottoman government should declare that the armistice is the common will of the two countries. Considering the huge harm the war has brought to the people, both sides decided to cease fire when the two sides are tied.

Of course, we will not let your country pay in vain, and you will also receive our captives and the friendship of the great Russian Empire."

Listening to Kutuzov's armistice plan, Selim almost laughed.

Selim complained in his heart: "Although both sides are asking for sky-high prices at the beginning of the negotiations, you are too outrageous."

Complaints are complaints, if you dare to ask for sky-high prices, I will accompany you to pull a few times.

"General, don't you think your armistice plan is too outrageous?

Gustav of Sweden has already reached the Svartepol Fortress, and we have already entered the northern Ukraine region.

The current situation in Russia is not good. Why don't I give the general a plan.

First, Russia will give up all the territories in Ukraine and the Caucasus and recognize the sovereignty of the Ottoman Empire.

Second, the Christians in the Ottoman Empire, no matter what sect they are, are subjects of the Sultan just like Muslims, and the Russian Tsar will never be allowed to interfere in our internal affairs under the guise of protecting Orthodox Christians.

Third, the Russian army has committed heinous atrocities in the Ottoman Empire and needs to pay compensation for reconstruction, totaling 20 million rubles.

Fourth, I haven't thought about it yet, so let's put it aside for now."

Selim said with a smile, and Kutuzov on the opposite side said in a low voice: "Your Majesty, are you not going to negotiate?"

Puff, Selim finally couldn't help laughing this time, and Kutuzov on the opposite side looked even gloomier.

"Okay, I won't tease you anymore. Let's all show some sincerity. After all, I'm not in a hurry."

Selim stretched and looked at Kutuzov opposite him.

He is not a weirdo like Peter III. He still has the friendship of the Russian Empire. Why don't you be more direct and marry Catherine to me? In this way, the friendship between the two countries will last forever, just like Aragon and Castile.

After a long silence, Kutuzov said: "Russia cannot cede land or pay compensation. We can recognize the sovereignty of the Ottoman Empire in Georgia and give up the claim to protect the Orthodox Christians in the Ottoman Empire.

But the Ottoman Empire must withdraw from our territory immediately and recognize the undeniable rule of the Russian Empire over Ukraine."

"The first few points are fine, but as for Ukraine, you won't forget whose territory this place originally belonged to, right?"

Selim was still smiling, but there was a hint of chill in his smile.

Kutuzov said again: "Your Majesty, do you really not want to negotiate?"

"Don't get excited, Kutuzov, the Ottoman Empire will never admit this, and I can accept everything else."

The two sides talked for a long time about the armistice agreement, and finally came up with a draft of the "Odessa Armistice Agreement", which is as follows:

First, the great Ottoman Sultan and the great Russian Empress decided to cease fire considering that the people of the two countries have been ravaged by war for a long time.

Second, the two sides maintained the original border unchanged and did not pay compensation to each other. At the same time, the great Russian Empress respected the Ottoman Empire's sovereignty over Georgia.

Third, the great Russian Empress recognized that the Ottoman Sultan was a great ruler and no longer regarded herself as the protector of Orthodox Christians in the Ottoman Empire.

After several revisions, Turkey and Russia simultaneously issued the armistice agreement on September 7, 1788.

The war between the two countries came to an end, and when Gustav III heard the news in the north, he couldn't help but worry for himself.

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