Nystadt, Treaty of 1721

the treaty between Russia and Sweden that concluded the Northern War of 1700–21. It was signed in the city of Nystadt, Finland, on Aug. 30, 1721.

The Russian delegation to the peace talks was headed by Ia. V. Brius and A. I. Osterman, and the Swedish delegation by Lillienstedt and Strömfelt. The treaty consisted of a preamble and 24 articles. Russia received Livland (Livonia), including Riga; Estland (Estonia), including Revel and Narva; part of Karelia, including Kexholm; Ingria (Izhora Land); the islands of Oesel and Dago; and other lands from Vyborg to the border of Courland. Finland, which had been occupied by Russian troops, was returned by Russia to Sweden, and Russia paid Sweden 2 million taler in compensation. By the terms of the Treaty of Nystadt, trade was restored between the two countries. Sweden received the right to purchase and to export from Russia 50,000 rubles worth of tax-exempt grain each year. The treaty provided for the return to Russia of lands which Sweden had earlier seized; at the same time, it ensured Russia’s access to the Baltic Sea. It was a major achievement of Russian diplomacy.