Capture of Warsaw (1657)
The Capture of Warsaw in 1657 was conducted by the Transylvanian, Swedish, Cossack and Moldavian forces against the Polish–Lithuanian garrison, as part of the Brest Campaign led by George II Rákóczi, during 14–17 June.
Prelude
In January 1657, Transylvanian Prince George II Rákóczi intervened into Poland with his Swedish and Cossack allies. Prince Rákóczi headed a total of 40,000 troops with him. However, Rákóczi largely avoided Polish-Lithuanian forces, with exception of Brest in May. Rákóczi now intended to capture Warsaw during June. Anton Zhdanovych led his Cossacks during Rákóczi's campaign, including besieging Warsaw.Siege
On 12 June, Cossacks were already near Warsaw, but the attacks only begun with arrival of Rákóczi on 14 June. Polish commander was in charge of the defense of Warsaw and repulsed initial Transylvanian assaults. On 15 June, Transylvanian attacks were again repulsed and Polish-Lithuanian forces conducted successful sorties outside of their defenses. On 16 June, Warsaw garrison commander Regulskiego defected to Transylvanian-led side, which came as a surprise. On 17 June, Warsaw garrison was willing to negotiate a surrender. Agreement included exchange of prisoners and promise to spare the city. However, Swedish commander Gustaf Otto Stenbock didn't partake in negotiations and sacked the city few days later.Some sources claim both Transylvanians and their allies took part in sacking Warsaw, on the same day as city's capitulation took place. Warsaw was described as being disturbed by "hordes of Magyars, Vlachs and Cossacks" while residents of the city are going through cycle of chaos and destruction. In contemporary accounts, Warsaw was believed to have surrendered without a fight. German Lutheran garrison commander defected to the Swedish side, despite being entrusted by Stefan Czarniecki to defend Warsaw.