In the summer of 1655, the Russian army, under the command of Tsar Alexei I, launched an offensive against the Grand Duchy of Lithuania as part of the larger Russo-Polish War. On July 31, the city of Vilnius, which was one of the most important cultural and political centers of Lithuania, was captured by Russian forces. The fall of Vilnius was not just a significant tactical victory for Russia; it also served as a morale boost for the Russian army and marked a critical juncture in the war. After the capture, the city remained under Russian occupation for six years, drastically altering its administrative and military landscape.During the occupation, the Russian authorities implemented various administrative changes and attempted to consolidate their power in the region. The capture had lasting impacts on the local population, who faced the realities of war, changing allegiances, and the challenges of governance under a foreign power. For the Russian Empire, controlling Vilnius represented an opportunity to extend its reach into Central Europe and assert dominance over its western neighbors. The siege also had implications beyond military strategy; it was a reflection of the complex dynamics involving neighboring states, including Sweden, which was also engaged in conflicts during this period.The Russian presence in Vilnius sparked resistance among local inhabitants and Polish forces, contributing to ongoing tensions between the Commonwealth and Russia. Over the next six years, several attempts were made by the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth to reclaim the city, which led to numerous confrontations and political maneuvering as both sides sought to secure their interests in the region. The struggle for Vilnius exemplified the larger conflicts at play during the Russo-Polish War, characterized by shifting alliances, military engagements, and the quest for territorial control in Eastern Europe.