Britain's ultimatum to Russia and the sailing of the Baltic Fleet, 1854

Background. Russian armies under Field Marshal Ivan Paskevich and General Mikhail Gorchakov crossed the River Prut into the Ottoman-controlled Danubian Principalities of Moldavia and Wallachia in the summer of 1853, bringing Russian forces to the north bank of the River Danube. Fearing the growth of Russian influence and compelled by public outrage over the annihilation of the Ottoman squadron at Sinop, Britain and France joined the war on the Ottoman side in March 1854.

Diplomatic Ultimatum. On 27 February 1854, the United Kingdom and France formally demanded the withdrawal of Russian forces from the principalities. This diplomatic action was part of broader efforts to address the Eastern Question. The demand preceded the formal declaration of war on 28 March, highlighting the transition from negotiation to conflict.

Naval Deployment. Vice-Admiral Sir Charles Napier commanded the Baltic fleet, which sailed in March 1854. In April 1854, an Anglo-French fleet entered the Baltic to attack the Russian naval base of Kronstadt and the Russian fleet stationed there, though the attacking fleets initially limited their actions to blockading Russian trade in the Gulf of Finland. Napier's command was terminated after his return from the Baltic to Britain in December 1854.