For the first time in Russian historical literature, the complex military-diplomatic and political relations of the Moscow state and the Zaporizhzhya Army during the period of hetmanism of Ivan Vygovsky are thoroughly and systematically described. The rich documentary material reveals the prerequisites and reasons for the Ukrainian-Russian war of 1658-1659, which have their roots in previous centuries. The contradictions in the vision of Muscovy and Ukraine of their place and role in the world around them and the prospects for the further development of bilateral relations are highlighted. The deep internal connection of the events of that time with European processes is shown, in particular with the geopolitical confrontation in eastern Europe of the three then most powerful civilizational systems - Western, Moscow and Muslim. Unknown archival documents are given, the author's chronology of hostilities is set out.