The successful siege of Plevna represents a crucial chapter in the Russo-Turkish War, which erupted primarily over the question of Balkan independence from Ottoman rule. Led by the Russian Army under the command of General Vasily Gurko and General Mikhail Skobelev, the siege commenced in July and unfolded through a series of brutal confrontations between Russian forces and a well-prepared Ottoman garrison commanded by Osman Nuri Pasha. The Russians employed a combination of numerical superiority, artillery bombardments, and siege warfare tactics to encircle and ultimately rupture Ottoman defenses.

Over the five months, the Russian military faced internal logistical challenges and fierce resistance from Ottoman troops. Plevna's defenses were fortified with trenches and fortifications that made advancements difficult. However, the Russians adapted their strategies, coordinating multiple assaults that stretched the Ottoman lines. As supplies dwindled and morale waned within the beleaguered garrison, the eventual surrender of the 25,000 Ottoman soldiers marked a significant psychological blow to the Empire.

This pivotal victory not only facilitated Russian advances further into the Balkans but also ignited nationalist sentiments across the region, contributing to the broader aim of achieving Bulgarian independence from the Ottomans. The capture of Plevna was celebrated in Russia as a symbol of military prowess and has since become a vital component of Bulgarian national identity for its role in the liberation struggle.