Someone suggested that the cupidity of the Grand Vizier, Balthazi, was the vulnerable spot.

He loved gold better than glory.
Two hundred thousand rubles were quickly collected--Catherine throwing in her jewels as an added lure.

The shining gold, with the glittering jewels on top, averted the inevitable fate.

Balthazi consented to treat for peace upon condition that Charles XII.

be permitted to go back to Sweden unmolested, and that Azof be relinquished (Treaty of Pruth).