The Volkonsky Embassy to Kakheti

The Volkonsky Embassy to Kakheti 1637–40, was an embassy from the Tsardom of Russia to the Kingdom of Kakheti.

It was dispatched to Georgia following negotiations (June 1637) with King Teimuraz I's envoy, the Greek Metropolitan Nikifore. Members the embassy included: Nobleman Fyodor Volkonsky, the dyak (secretary) Artem Khvatov, interpreters, clergymen, artists, and craftsmen.

The Volkonsky Embassy departed from Russia in October 1637 and arrived in Alaverdi in September 1638 via the Tergi route. The envoys delivered a letter from the Russian Tsar to Teimuraz I, which stated that Russia would undertake the protection of the Iberian country from the enemy.

In turn, the King of Kakheti requested the following from Russia: The construction of a fortress near Kakheti and the stationing of 2,000 men there. Mediation with Iran to persuade the Shah to return Kartli to Teimuraz.

In April 1639, negotiations resumed in Zaghem (Zagemi). The Georgian diplomats presented their own draft of the Oath Book (Pitsis Tsigni), but the Russian envoys demanded the acceptance of the Oath Book compiled in Russia without changes. On April 23, 1639, Teimuraz I, and on April 25, the Kakhetian nobles, signed the Oath Book of allegiance to Russia. In January 1640, the Volkonsky Embassy returned to Moscow accompanied by the Georgian envoy Nikifore.