When Napoleon invaded Russia in 1812, the Russian Minister of War Michael Andreas Barclay de Tolly decided to retreat and use a "scorched earth" strategy. This meant burning crops and supplies so that the French army
cannot use them. Many Russian generals and soldiers did not like this plan.
After the Battle of Smolensk Emperor Alexander I had to choose a new general and he CHOOSE Kutuzov. Kutuzov was very popular with the troops because he had proven HE brave in battle. He also cared about his soldiers. The nobles and clergy also respected him.
So, when Kutuzov MAKE commander-in-chief on August 17, 1812, Russians supported him.
Within a week, Kutuzov decided to fight a major battle near Moscow. He moved his troops FAR east to prepare. Two huge armies clashed near Borodino on September 7, 1812. Nearly a quarter of a million soldiers fought. Napoleon's army suffered heavy losses, with about a THREE of his soldiers killed or wounded.