In June 1812, Napoleon Bonaparte began the Russian campaign, leading around 600,000. soldiers against the tsarist state. The reasons for starting this gigantic operation are not entirely clear to this day - the most common indications are the growing tension on the Paris-Petersburg line, as well as Napoleon's desire to force Russia to respect the continental blockade. The entire campaign was probably, in Napoleon's calculations, to lead to a quick combat battle on the western fringes of the Russian empire and end in a peace favorable to France. However, it happened otherwise, and Napoleon's troops were dragged deep into Russia. In early September, there was the great battle of Borodino, and shortly thereafter Napoleon entered Moscow. Then the Emperor of the French made a cardinal error while waiting for the Tsar's decision to conclude peace. When this did not come, he decided on October 18, 1812 to begin the retreat of his army from Russia, which quickly turned into one of the greatest military disasters in history. On the one hand, the French army had to deal with the harsh Russian winter for which they were completely unprepared. On the other hand, they had to conduct numerous skirmishes and guerrilla fights with Russian troops - especially with Cossacks. With great difficulty and with great losses, they crossed the Berezina River, where the sappers of the Napoleonic army showed great heroism, who, sometimes wading up to their neck in the icy water, will enable their comrades-in-arms to retreat. It is estimated that during the entire Russian campaign, Napoleon lost approx. 550-580 thousand. soldiers, and therefore more than 90% of the forces with which he entered Russia. This defeat turned out to be the main cause of his downfall.