The Ingrian War (1610–1617) was a significant conflict between the Swedish Empire and the Tsardom of Russia, occurring during Russia’s Time of Troubles. It was part of Sweden's broader strategy of territorial expansion and a critical moment in its rise as a Baltic power. The war began when Charles IX of Sweden supported Vasily IV of Russia against Polish intervention in Russia’s civil strife. Sweden saw an opportunity to install a Swedish prince on the Russian throne and expand its influence eastward.
In 1611, Swedish forces under Jacob De la Gardie captured Novgorod, and the Novgorodians proposed installing one of Charles IX's sons as their ruler. After Gustavus Adolphus succeeded his father in 1611, Sweden continued to push for control of Russian territories, despite the election of Mikhail Romanov as Tsar in 1613, ending the prospect of a Swedish monarch on the Russian throne.
The war concluded with the Treaty of Stolbovo in 1617, a decisive diplomatic victory for Sweden. The treaty granted Sweden control over Ingria, a vital region along the Baltic Sea, including towns like Ivangorod and Koporye, effectively cutting off Russia’s access to the Baltic for nearly a century. This territorial gain marked an important foundation for Sweden's dominance in the Age of Greatness, solidifying its status as a major power in Northern Europe.
The loss of Baltic access for Russia heightened the importance of its northern port of Arkhangelsk, while Sweden’s acquisition of Ingria strengthened its control over the Baltic trade routes, setting the stage for future conflicts with Russia. The Ingrian War was a key moment in Sweden’s territorial expansion and its ongoing rivalry with its eastern neighbor.