The Russo-Turkish War (1768–74) unfolded as a contest for supremacy between the Russian Empire and the Ottoman Empire, driven by Russia's desire to expand its territorial reach in the Black Sea region and the Balkans. As the war progressed, both sides engaged in numerous battles, with pivotal encounters such as the Battle of Kagul and Siege of Silistra, which showcased the military strengths and weaknesses of each empire. After years of conflict characterized by shifting alliances and territorial skirmishes, the two empires finally sought a resolution through diplomatic negotiations.

On July 21, 1774, the Treaty of Küçük Kaynarca was signed, marking a significant turning point in European geopolitics. The treaty granted Russia numerous privileges, including access to the Black Sea and commercial advantages over Ottoman territories. It also allowed Russia to intervene in the affairs of the Orthodox Christians living within the Ottoman Empire, thereby establishing a protectorate status over them. This new role heightened Russia's influence in the Balkans and set a precedent for future interventions in Ottoman affairs.

The treaty not only ended hostilities but shifted the balance of power in Eastern Europe, with Russia emerging as a major player. The war had profound implications for the regional dynamics, as it emboldened other powers to challenge Ottoman authority and opened the door for subsequent territorial conflicts in the region. Additionally, the territorial changes reinforced the Russian Empire's ambitions toward expansion, foreshadowing future conflicts in Europe and the eventual decline of Ottoman power. Through the Treaty of Küçük Kaynarca, the effects of which still resonate in contemporary geopolitics, Russia cemented its position as a dominant influence in the region and laid the foundation for its imperial pursuits in the coming centuries.