Russo-Swedish War (1495–1497)

The Russo-Swedish War of 1495–1497, also known as the First Russo-Swedish War, was a conflict fought between the Kingdom of Sweden, under Sten Sture the Elder, and the Grand Duchy of Moscow, under Ivan III.

Background

Tensions between Sweden and Russia had been rising for decades prior to the war, primarily concerning control over territories in Finland and Ingria. The Treaty of Nöteborg in 1323 had established a border, but ambiguities and overlapping claims persisted. Additionally, Novgorod, a historically powerful Russian city-state with close ties to the Hanseatic League, had been annexed by Moscow in 1478, further shifting the balance of power and increasing Moscow’s assertiveness in the region.

Course of the War

The war began in 1495, initiated by Ivan III in an attempt to exploit internal Swedish political divisions following the death of King Charles VIII and to expand Muscovite influence in the east. Russian forces launched attacks on Finnish towns and fortifications, including the siege of Vyborg. Swedish forces under Sten Sture the Elder initially struggled to effectively counter the Russian offensive due to ongoing internal disputes. However, Swedish resilience at Vyborg and successful raids against Russian territory helped to stabilize the situation.

Significant events during the war included:

• Siege of Vyborg: A lengthy and ultimately unsuccessful Russian siege of the important Swedish fortress of Vyborg. The defense of Vyborg proved crucial in preventing a deeper Russian incursion into Finland.
• Battle of the Bridge at Kymijoki: A decisive Swedish victory where Swedish forces routed a Russian army attempting to cross the Kymijoki river.
• Swedish Raids into Russian Territory: Swedish forces conducted several raids into Russian-controlled areas, disrupting Russian supply lines and diverting resources.

Outcome

The war concluded with the signing of the Treaty of Novgorod in 1497. The treaty largely restored the pre-war status quo. While Ivan III had hoped to gain territorial concessions, Sweden managed to hold its existing territories.

Significance

The Russo-Swedish War of 1495–1497 did not result in significant territorial changes, but it had important long-term consequences. It demonstrated the resilience of Sweden against Muscovite expansion and contributed to the consolidation of Swedish national identity. It also laid the groundwork for future conflicts between the two powers as both sought to control the strategically vital territories surrounding the Gulf of Finland. The war also revealed weaknesses in both Swedish and Muscovite military capabilities, prompting subsequent reforms. The inconclusive result ensured that the underlying tensions between the two states remained unresolved, setting the stage for future wars.