Which Russian general commanded at the Battle of Borodino?

Mikhail Kutuzov commanded the Russian army at the Battle of Borodino. The battle, fought on 7 September 1812, was the largest single confrontation of Napoleon’s invasion of Russia.

Kutuzov became Russia’s commander-in-chief shortly before the battle, after earlier retreats under generals including Michael Barclay de Tolly. He accepted battle near the village of Borodino, about 70 miles west of Moscow, partly because continued retreat was damaging Russian morale and threatening the capital.

Borodino was exceptionally bloody. Nearly a quarter of a million soldiers took part, and casualties were immense on both sides. Napoleon’s forces captured important Russian positions, but Kutuzov preserved enough of his army to avoid destruction. He therefore ordered a retreat after the battle rather than risk losing the army in a final stand.

A common mix-up is to name Pyotr Bagration, a prominent Russian commander who led the left wing and was mortally wounded at Borodino. Barclay de Tolly was also present, but Kutuzov held overall command. The battle opened the road to Moscow, yet its failure to destroy the Russian army helped doom Napoleon’s campaign.