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How did the death of Empress Elizabeth change the course of 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.

The death of Empress Elizabeth on January 5, 1762, was a pivotal turning point that effectively ended the Seven Years’ War in favor of Prussia.123

Prior to her death, Russia had been a key member of the anti-Prussian coalition alongside Austria and France, and Russian forces had successfully occupied East Prussia and briefly captured Berlin, leaving the Prussian king, Frederick II the Great, on the verge of total collapse.452

Elizabeth’s successor, her nephew Peter III, was a fervent admirer of Frederick II. Upon taking the throne, Peter immediately withdrew Russia from the war and formed an alliance with Prussia. Although Peter was soon deposed by his wife, Catherine II, she did not renew hostilities against Prussia. With Russia’s defection, Austria and France lost the ability to defeat Prussia, leading to the Treaty of Hubertusburg in 1763, which maintained the status quo and allowed Prussia to retain Silesia.46213