Diplomatic Relations between Russia and Hungary in the First Years of 18<sup>th</sup> Century: Failed Union of Peter I and Francis II Rákóczi
The relationship between Russia and Hungary in the first years of the Great Northern war and the War of the Spanish Succession are analysed. The background of events of 1707-1708 is described. A brief overview of the contacts between the two states since the 15<sup>th</sup> century is given. The development of the history of Hungarian lands in 16<sup>th</sup>-17<sup>th</sup> centuries is traced in general. The situation in Hungary and the Russian state on the eve of the recovery of the active relations of the two states is analysed. Special attention is paid to the negotiations, which were held in 1707 and led to the conclusion of the Union between Peter and II. Rákóczi Ferenc. For a better understanding of the causes of events of 1703-1711, special attention is paid to the biography of F. Rákóczi, changing in his worldview under the influence of external factors. There has been some transformation of the foreign policy of the Russian state, which was caused by the signing of the agreement between the tsar and Hungarian Prince. According to the author, negotiations between the Russian monarch and leader of the Hungarian rebels as well as an alliance between them could lead to significant changes in the development of Russian-Swedish and Austro-Hungarian conflict. The opposition of different forces has led to the fact that a promising union did not take place.