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How close did Russian forces come to defeating Prussia during the Seven Years’ War?

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Seven Years' War: Battle of Zorndorf — Seven Years’ War Frederick II leading his Prussian troops against Russians at the Battle of Zorndorf during the Seven Years' War, August 25, 1758.

During the Seven Years’ War, Russian forces posed a severe threat to Prussia, coming close to achieving a total victory over the kingdom. Russian armies successfully conquered East Prussia and even briefly occupied Berlin.1

The Russian military demonstrated its capability early in the conflict, notably inflicting a crushing defeat on the Prussians at the Battle of Gross-Jägerndorf in 1757. However, the Russian advance was often marked by strategic hesitation; for instance, commander Stepan Apraksin retreated after his victory at Gross-Jägerndorf, partly due to concerns regarding the uncertain health of Empress Elizabeth and the pro-Prussian sympathies of her heir, the future Peter III.2

Despite these internal political tensions, the Russian threat remained existential for Prussia throughout the war. It was ultimately the death of Empress Elizabeth that saved the Prussian king, Frederick II, from what appeared to be a total disaster.1