After writing to the Dowager Empress, Dagmar of Denmark, Maximov was permitted to rejoin the Imperial Russian Army in September 1904. Maria Maximova stated she was convinced that her husband had gone to Manchuria with the purpose of being killed in action. From Mukden (modern Shenyang, China), Maximov sent off his last telegram to his wife, wishing her and their son well. On 1 October 1904 (Julian)/14 October (Gregorian) Maximov was killed in action fighting against the Japanese on the plains of Manchuria in the Battle of Shaho. In his death, Maximov was able to regain the honor that he lost in life, and Russian newspapers described him as a hero.