Battle of Poltava Day is observed in Russia on July 10 each year, commemorating the decisive victory of Russian forces over Sweden in 1709 during the Great Northern War. The battle, fought near the Ukrainian city of Poltava, saw the Swedish continental army, led by Charles XII, defeated by Russian commanders Peter the Great, Boris Sheremetev, and Alexander Menshikov. This victory marked the beginning of the decline of the Swedish Empire as a great power in Northern, Central, and Eastern Europe. Although not a public holiday, the day is widely celebrated within the military, featuring official ceremonies to honor this significant military achievement. The aftermath of the battle forced King Charles XII to flee to the Ottoman Empire, where he remained in exile until 1714.