Senyavin's feint draws the fleet back into the Aegean

After the land and naval campaigns stall, Senyavin tries to make the Ottoman command believe his force at the Dardanelles has been reduced. He detaches Greig with four battleships, later moves five battleships and lands marines, then returns to Tenedos to await the result. The visible arrangement makes it appear that only five Russian ships remain immediately available. The Ottoman advantage in frigates and small craft might also have supported a night attack while the Russians appeared divided, but no such exploitation occurs. Seydi Ali Pasha instead leaves the straits with eight ships of the line and five frigates, accepting inferiority in battleships while retaining a large frigate advantage. Ottoman ships reach and bombard Tenedos, but the maneuver ultimately puts both fleets where neither side can or wants to avoid battle. Senyavin's operational deception shapes the location and timing of the fleet action.