The <answer>Russia</answer>ns avoided Napoleon's objective of a decisive engagement and instead retreated deeper into <answer>Russia</answer>. A brief attempt at resistance was made at Smolensk in August; the <answer>Russia</answer>ns were defeated in a series of battles, and Napoleon resumed his advance. The <answer>Russia</answer>ns again avoided battle, although in a few cases this was only achieved because Napoleon uncharacteristically hesitated to attack when the opportunity arose. Owing to the <answer>Russia</answer>n army's scorched earth tactics, the French found it increasingly difficult to forage food for themselves and their horses.
To avoid direct fighting with Napoleon, the Russians retreated into which country?
Russia