Britannica Sources used in this answer

Why did Peter III end Russia’s war against Prussia?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

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.

Peter III ended Russia’s participation in the Seven Years’ War primarily due to his intense admiration for Prussia and its king, Frederick II.12

Upon succeeding his aunt, the empress Elizabeth, in January 1762, Peter III immediately reversed Russia’s foreign policy. A "fanatical admirer" of the Prussian monarch, Peter signed an armistice with Frederick in May 1762, followed by a formal peace treaty.132

Beyond merely ending the conflict, Peter III sought to align Russia with his idol. He formed an alliance with Prussia and even instructed Russian forces to assist Frederick in expelling Austrian troops from Silesia. Furthermore, Peter intended to redirect Russian military efforts toward a war against Denmark to secure control of Schleswig for his native Holstein. These pro-Prussian policies, combined with his domestic actions, alienated the Russian court and military, ultimately contributing to his overthrow by his wife, Catherine II, later that year.13