Even before Poltava, Tolstoy had the greatest difficulty in preventing the Turks from aiding the Swedes, and when Charles XII took refuge on Turkish soil he instantly demanded his extradition.
Tolstoy had the greatest difficulty in preventing the Turks from aiding the Swedes. This was even before Poltava. He instantly demanded his extradition. This was even before Poltava. Charles XII took refuge on Turkish soil.