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Today in History: France declares war on Russia, triggers Napoleon invasion

6/22/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On 22 June 1812, Napoleon’s French Empire formally declared war on Russia via a note from ambassador Jacques Lauriston to Foreign Minister Alexander Saltykov, after two years of strained relations and a Russian passport request that ended diplomatic ties. The declaration triggered the 1812 invasion, a disastrous campaign that cost roughly one million lives.

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Story summary

On 22 June 1812, Napoleon’s French Empire formally declared war on Russia via a note from ambassador Jacques Lauriston to Foreign Minister Alexander Saltykov, after two years of strained relations and a Russian passport request that ended diplomatic ties. The declaration triggered the 1812 invasion, a disastrous campaign that cost roughly one million lives.